
Class B S G O^ 
Book,. S 5 

§72. 



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CATECHISM 



Scripture History, 



COMPILED BY THE 

SISTERS OF MERCY, 

For the Use of Children attending their Schools 

REVISED 

By M. J. KERNEY, 

Author «f Comptndivm of Ancient and Modem History; First Class Book of History t 
Columbian Arithmetic, ^c. ^e. 



2bih American from the last London Edition. 



BALTIMOKE: 
Published by John Murphy & Co. 

182 Baltimore Street, 

Pittsburg. .. Ge ORGE Quigley. 

Sold by Booksellers generally. 

18 72. 






Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the yea* 
eighteen hundred and fifty-four, by John Murphy & Co. 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland. 



By Bxchan' <i 
Army and .\" 
May 27. 1921 



PREFACE, 



The object of the following Catechism is to reBt- 
dcr children early a(^quainted with the truthful and 
interesting events recorded in the Sacred Scriptures ; 
to familiarize them with the prophecies relating to 
the coming of the Messiah, and lead them to regard 
the Old Testament as a figure and a foreshadowing 
of the New. 

In its style and arrangement, it is happily adapted 
to that class of learners for which it was designed 
It was originally compiled for the use of the pupils 
attending the schools of the Sisters of Mercy, in the 
city of Limerick, Ireland. The first edition was 
published under the supervision of the Rev. Dr. 
O'Reilly, of Maynooth, and shortly after its appear- 
ance, it acquired an extensive circulation among the 
Catholic schools of England and Ireland. Its merits 
goon extended to this country, and in a short time it 
became extensively used in our Catholic institutions. 
Heretofore, however, our schools have been supplied 
from the English press, but in order to meet the in- 
creasing demand for the work, the publishers have 
deemed it expedient to issue an American edition. 

Advantage has been taken of the present favora- 
ble opportunity^ of having the work carefully revised 
and improved. Experience had shown that the ^n- 

swers were generally much too long for a wort iu 
1* 6 



Vi PREFACE. 

the catechetical form, and consequently the task of 
committing them to memory was rendered unneces- 
sarily difficult. To obviate this objection many of 
the answers have been divided and sub-divided by 
the introduction of additional questions, thus render- 
ing the labor of preparing the lessons, much mor« 
easy fDr the pupil. 

An Appendix has been added to the present 
edition, containing extracts from the Prophets, 
Scripture Texts, and short sketches of the lives of 
the Apostles and Evangelists. The Chronological 
Table, which has been carefully revised and con- 
siderably enlarged, fixes the dates of the most re- 
markable events recorded in the Sacred Writings, 

These improvements, it is hoped, will add much 
to the merits of the work, and render the present 
edition still more valuable than those which have 
preceded it. 

BaltimopvE, Jvly^ 1854. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



iJHAPTER. • ^ Page. 
I. The Creation, 13 

II. Our first Parents in the Garden of Paradise, . 14 

III. The Redeemer promised, 15 

jy. The Deluge — Noah and his family saved, , , 17 

Y. Noah's Sacrifice, 19 

VL The Tower of Babel, 20 

VII. History of Abraham to the Birth of Isaac, . . .22 

VIII. From the Birth of Isaac to the death of Abraham, 27 

IX. History of Jacob and Esau to the death of Isaac, 30 

X. History of Job 34 

XI. Joseph sold bj his brethren, 37 

XII. Joseph governor of Egypt, 39 

XIII. Jacob's Journey into Egypt and death of Joseph, 42 

'XIY. Preservation of Moses, 44 

XV. The Burning Bush, 46 

XVI. The plagues of Egypt, •. 48 

XVII. The Paschal Lamb, 51 

XVIII. The crossing of the Red Sea, . 52 

XIX. The Manna, 54 

XX. Water issues from the Rock, 57 

XXI. The Law given on Mount Sinai, 58 

XXII. The Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, . 61 

XXIII. Vestments of the priests, and the priestly oflice, . 64 

XXIV. The order of encampment : the twelve spies, . . 65 
XXV. The priesthood confirmed to Aaron, 67 

XXVI. The Brazen Serpent. — Balaam the Soothsayer, . 69 
XXVII. Josue appointed to succeed Moses. — Death of Moses, 72 

XX VIIL The crossing of the Jordan, 74 

XXIX. The taking of Jericho and Hai, 75 

XXX. The conquests of Josue — Division of the land among 

the tribes — Death of Josue, 77 

XXXI. History of the Judges, from Josue to Gedeon, . 80 

XXXII. History of Gedeon and of Abimelech, .... 82 

K XXIII. History of the Judges from Thola to Samson, . 85 

XXXIV. History of Ruth, 88 

XXXV. History of Heli and Samuel, ....... 90 

XXXVI. Saul anointed King of Israel, 94 

XXXVII. Saul's conquests — ^Jonathan distinguishes himself, 96 

XXXVIII. David anointed King — his victory over«Goliah, . 98 

XXXIX. Saul's Jealousy— Death of Samuel, .... 100 

XL. Flight of David— Death of Saul, 104 

XLI. David acknowledged King, • 105 

XLII. J)avid's piety — His fall and repentance, . • • 107 
7 



VIU CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER. Page. 

XLin. David causes Solomon to be proclaimed King — 

His last instructions and death, ..... 110 

XLIY. Solomon's Wisdom, . . • . 113 

XLY. The building of the Temple, 115 

XLVI. The dedication of the Temple — ^Death of Solomon, 118 
XLVTI. Kings of Juda — Roboam, Abia, Asa, .... 120 

XLVIII. Contemporary Kings of Israel, 123 

XLIX. Kin^s of Juda, Josophat, Joram, Ochozias, and 

Joas, 12S 

L. Contemporary Kings of Israel, ...... 127 

LI. The Prophets— EUas, 128 

LII. Eliseus, 131 

Lin. Kings of Juda, Amasias and Azarias, .... 134 

LIY. Contemporary Kings of Israel, 135 

LY. The Prophet Jonas, 136 

LYI. Kings of Juda — Joathan, Achaz, Ezechias, . 137 
LYII. Contemporary Kings of Israel to the Assyrian 

Captivity, 138 

LYm. Prophets, 140 

LIX. History of Tobias — his virtues and afflictions, . 141 
LX. The young Tobias is conducted by an angel j his 

marriage and return to his father, . . . • 143 

LXI. Death of Tobias, 145 

LXn, Kings of Juda, after the Assyrian Captivity — 
Continuation of the reign of Ezechiafi — 

Manasses, 147 

LXni. Manasses, 148 

LXIY. History of Judith— Siege of Bethulia, .... 148 
LXV. The siege raised by the fortitude of Judith — 

Death of Holofernes, 151 

LXYI. Kings of Juda, from Manasses to the eleventh 
year of Sedecias, when the remnant of the 
people were carried captive to Babylon, . 153 

LXYII. The Prophet Jeremiah, 156 

LXYin. The Prophet Ezechiel, 157 

LXIX. The Prophet Daniel in the Court of Nebuchodo- 

nosor, > . . 159 

LXX. Preservation of the Hebrews when cast into the 

fierv furnace, 161 

LXXI. Bel and" the Dragon, ' 162 

LXXII. Baltassar's Feast, 165 

LXXIII. Prophecies of the capture of Babylon, ... 167 

LXXIY. Daniel in the Lion's Den, 169 

LXXY. Temple of Jerusalem rebuilt, 170 

LXXYI. History of Esther, 172 

LXXYH. Edict of Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls of Jeru- 

^^ salem — Nehemias appointed governor, . . 177 

liXXYIII. Civil disturbance — Foreign invasion, .... 179 
LXXIX. Martyrdom of Eleazer and of the Seven Macha- 

bees, 183 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER. Page. 

LXXX. Histoiy of the Asamonean famUj — Mathathias, . 185 
LXXXI. Mathdthiarf is succeed in the government by his 

son Judas Machabeus, .... 188 
LXXXn. Judas Machabeus succeeded bj his brothers Jona- 
than and Simon, 191 

LXXXm. Simon succeeded by his son John Hyrcanus — 

Conclusion of the History, , , , 194 

CONTENTS OF NEW TESTAMENT. 
CHAPTER. Page. 

I. The Incarnation of our Divine Lord — ^Yisit of the 

Blessed Virgin to St. Elizabeth, . . 196 
IT. The birth of St. John the Baptist, . . .199 
in. ,The birth of our Divine Lord, ... 200 
TV. Our Saviour's birth made known to the Gentiles 

by a star, 203 

V. The Purification of the Blessed Yirgin, and the 

Preservation of our Divine Lord, . , 204 

VI. The Massacre of the Holy Innocents — ^Flight of our 

Divine Lord into Egypt, and his return, . 206 
Vn. The Baptism of our Divine Lord — The preaching 

and martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, . 207 
Vm. Our Divine Lord's Fast and Temptation in the 

Desert — The opening of his Mssion, , 211 
IX. The call of the Apostles, and Christ's Miracle, . 212 
X. The Centurion's servant — The widow's son of 

Naim, 215 

XI. Sermon on the Mount, 216 

XII. On Prayer, 218 

XIII. On perseverance in Prayer, . . . . 220 
XIY. Our Lord instructs his Apostles — He casts the 

buyers and sellers out of the Temple, . .223 

XV. Christ instructs the Samaritan woman — He heals 

the Ruler's son, . • . . . . 225 

XVI. Miracle at the pond of Protmtica, and cure of the 

man blind from his birth, .... 228 

XVn. Miracle performed on the woman who had been 
sick eighteen years — Cure of the man aMct- 

ed with dropsy, 230 

XVin. Parables of the Sower and of the Cockle, . . 232 

XIX. The storm at sea, 234 

XX. The daughter of Jairus raised to life, . . 235 

XXI. Multiplication of the loaves and fishes — St. Peter 

upon the waters, 237 

XXII. St. Peter's confession of Christ — Transfiguration 

^^ of our Lord, 238 

XXni. Instructions on zeal, humility, and on the neces- 

sity of giving good example, . . . 240 

XXIV. On fraternal correction and forgiveness of injuries 242 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER. Page. 

XXY. On charity, and on the evil of setting tiie heart 

on riches, 244 

XXyi. Parable of the rich man and Lazarus, . . 246 
XXYII. Parable of the barren fig tree, and of the Labor- 

^^ ers in the Vineyard, 247 

XXVTII. Parable of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen, 249 
XXIX. Parable of the Marriage Feast and of the Ten 

Virgins, 261 

XXX Parable of the lost- sheep, and of tha Prodigal 

Son, 253 

XXXI. Parable of the Ten Talents, . . . .255 
XXXII. Miraculous cure of the ten lepers — Lazarus raised 

toHfe, . . 257 

XXXIII. St. Mary Magdalen's forgiveness pronounced by 

^^^ our Lord, 261 

XXXTV. On the signs that are to pirecede the end of the 

world, 264 

XXXV. Our Lord foretells his approaching^ Passion — ^His 
reply when called on for a sign similar to 

the Manna, 265 

XXXVI. Our Lord directs his Apostles to prepare the 

Pasch — He institutes the Bbssed Sacrament, 268 
XXXVn. Our Lord's agony in the G-arden — The treachery 

of Judas — St. Peter's denial, . . . 271 
XXXVin. Christ before the High Priest and Council— The 

despair of Judas, 274 

XXXIX. Christ is delivered to Pilate, who condemns him 

to be crucified, 275 

XL. Christ's last words and death, .... 277 

XLI. Our Lord's Burial and Resurrection, . . 280 
XLII. Apparition of our Divine Lord to St. Mary Mag- 
dalen and his Apostles on the day of his 
Resurrection, . . . . . . 28i? 

XLIII. Other Apparitions of our Divine Lord — He gives 
charge of the flock to St. Peter — His Ascen- 
sion into Heaven, 285 

XLIV. Short account of the Books of Holy Scripture, , 288 
XLV. The Descent of the Holy Ghost, . . . 290 
XL VI. Manners of the first Christians, and miracles per- 
formed by the Apostles, . . . . 291 
XL VII. Martyrdom of St. Stephen — Ordination of the 

Seven Deacons — Mission of St. Philip, , 294 
XL VIII. Conversion of St. Paul — Baptism of Cornelius, 296 
XLXIX. Miraculous deliverance of St. reter from prison- 
Preaching of St. Paul, . . . .298 
L. Council at Jerusalem — Travels and labors of St. 

Paul, 301 

LI. St. Paul's return to Jerusalem — His persecution 
by the Jews — ^He appeals to Csesar, and is 
sent to Rome, 303 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER. Page. 

LII. St. Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, and 

Galatians, 306 

LIII. St. Paul's Epistles to the Ephesians, Philippians, Co- 

lossians, and Thessalonians, 315 

LIV. St. Paul's Epistles to Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and 

the Hebrews, 312 

LY. Epistle of St. James, 313 

LVI. St. Peter's two Epistles, 314 

LVII. St. John's three Epistles — ^Epistle of St, Jude — Apoc- 
alypse, 315 

Appendix — Extracts from the Prophets, ... . 317 

Scripture Texts, . . * 332 

Short sketches of the Lives of the Apostles and Evangel- 
ists, taken from Ecclesiastical History, . . . 326 
Chronological Table of the Principal Events in Sacred 
History, SiS 



Catu^ism of Striate gistorg^ 



FIRST AGE OF THE WORLD. 

Frcmi the Creation to the Bdnge, A.M,\to 1656. 
CHAPTER I. 

THE CREATION. 

What do you hnow of the history of the creation ? 
From the Sacred Scriptures we learn that, God crea- 
ted heaven and earth ; the earth was void and empty, 
and darkness was on the face of the deep ; and the 
Spirit of God said : " Be light made," and light was 
made ; and he divided the light from the darkness 
and called the light day, and the darkness night. 

On the second day what did God do ? 
On the second day God made the iSrmament and called 
it heaven, dividing the waters that were under it from 
those that were above it. 

What did God do on the third day ? 
On the third day God commanded the waters on the 
earth to be gathered together, and to let the dry 
land appear : the gathering together of the waters he 
called seas, the earth he commanded to bring forth 
fruit trees and herbs. 

On the fourth and fifth day what did God do ? 
On the fourth day God made lights in the jfirmament 
of heaven ; a greater light to rule the day and a lesser 
light to rule the night ; and the stars. On the fifth 
day God created the fish of the sea and the fowls of 
the air. 

S 13 



J 4 CATECHISM Of [A. M. 1. 

On the sixth and seventh day what did he do f 
=0n the sixth day God created beasts, cattle and 
creeping things ; and last of all man, to whom he 
gave dominion over the earth and all it contained. 
The seventh day God blessed and sanctified, for on it 
he rested from all his work. 

Of ivhat did God make man? 
He made his body of the slime of the earth, and 
his soul, which he breathed into him, he created out 
of nothing. 

To ivhose image did God make man f 
To his own image. " To the image of God he 
created him." (Gen. i. 27.) 

In what is man like to God? 
In his soul. 

In ichat is the soul like to God? 
In being a spirit and immortal, and in being capable 
of knowing and loving God. 

Why did God give us souls capable of knowing 
and loving him ? 

That we might attain the end for which he made us, 
that is, to know and serve him here on earth, and 
hereafter to see and enjoy him for ever in heaven. 

CHAPTER II. 

OUR FIRST PARENTS IN THE GARDEN OF PARADISE. 

What was the name of the first man ? 
Adam. 

Where did God place Adam? 
In the garden of Paradise. 

What was the name of the first vjoman f 
Eve. 

Of ichat didj God make Eve ? 
Of one of the ribs of Adam, which he took from him 
whilst he slept. 



4000 A. C.J scRiprmiE His^oRr. 15 

Where is it supposed that the Garden of Eden was 
situated f 
In Asia, between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. 

Who gave names to all animals on earth f 
Adam, before whom God caused them all to pass in 
review. 

What command did God give to Adam on placing 
him in Paradise f 

That he should not eat the fruit of the tree of the 
knowledge of good and evil under penalty of death. 

Why was that command given f 
To make Adam, though vested with authority over 
the earth, sensible of God's supreme dominion over 
him, and of his dependence on God^ and as a trial 
of obedience. 

Did our first parents disobey the command of God f 
Yes, Eve weakly yielded to the temptation of the 
devil, who in the form of a serpent persuaded her 
that God would not put his threat in execution, and 
that by eating the forbidden fruit she would become 
more wise, on which " She did eat, and gave to Adam, 
and he also did eat." (Gen. ii. 6.) 

What is this sin of owr first parents called ? 
Original sin ; this we inherit from them, and every 
one coming into the world is infected with it. 

What punishment did God inflict on them f 
He drove them out of Paradise, stripped them of 
original justice, and condemned them to death with 
their posterity. 

CHAPTEE III. 

THE REDEEMER PROMISED 

Did God give Adam and Eve any consolation in 
their affliction ? 
Yes, in the promise of a Redeemer to come 



16 CATEOHTSM OF [A. M. 1. 

IVJien teas that jy^omise fulfilled f 
About 4,000 years afterwards. 

What teas the namt of the first son of Adam and 
Eve f 

Cain, who was the first murderer, having killed his 
brother Abel. 

Wiy did he cominit so g^eat a crime ? 
Through envy and jealousy on account of his brother's 
superior piety and merit: and because Abel's offering 
was more acceptable to God than his own. 

Wliat 2')unishment did God inflict on Cain? 
He cursed him, and pronounced him a fugitive and 
vagabond on the face of the earth, which he decreed 
should not yield Cain fruit on his tilling it. 

WJiere did Cain dwell after his sentence was pro^ 
nounced f 

To the east of Eden, whither he was constrained to 
fly ; where he in some time built a city which he 
called after his son Enoch. 

What was the name of the son whom God gave to 
Adam and Eve in place of Abel? 
Seth, who was born A. M. 180; he was just and like 
unto Abel. 

Did any remarkalle person descend from Seth ? 
Yes, Enoch, a just and holy man, who, at the age of 
365 years, was taken from among men without dying, 
and translated to some place of rest and happiness) 
whence, as the holy Fathers gather from the Apoca- 
lypse, chap, xi., he and Elias will come before the 
last day to oppose antichrist, and having suffered 
martyrdom,^ and been again restored to life, will 
ascend gloriously into heaven. 

Who loas Mathusalem f 
The son of Enoch, and remarkable for being the 
oldest man that ever lived, ha\ing s±tain<^d the ago 
of 969 vears. He was grandfathei to NoaL 



tfOOO A. 0.] SCRirrURE HISTORY. 17 

How many years frorrb the Creation of the world 
to the Deluge f 
About 1656 years. 

Names and ages of the Patriarchs of the first agef 
A.M. 





BORN. 


DIED. 


AGED. 


Adam, 




930 


930 


Seth, 


180 


1042 


912 


Enos, 


235 


1140 


905 


Cainan, 


325 


1235 


910 


Malaleel, 


395 


1290 


895 


Jared, 


460 


1422 


962 


Enoch, 


622 


987 


365 translated to heaveo 


Mathusalem, 


687 


1656 


969 


Lameeh, 


874 


1651 


777 


Noah, 


1056 


2006 


950 



SECOND AGE OF THE WOKLD. 

From the Deluge to the Vocation of Abraham^ A. M, 
1656 to 2023." 

CHAPTER lY 

THE DELUGE. NOAH AND HIS FAMILY SAVED. 

What was the Deluge f 
A great inundation that covered the whole earth with 
water to the height of fifteen cubits above the tops 
of the mountains. 

For what reason was the Deluge sent? 
In punishment of sin. 

How was so great an inundation produced? 
The fountains ^ the deep were broken up, th© flood- 
2* 



18 CATECHISM or [A. M. 1656, 

gates of heaven opened, and rain fell in torrents for 
forty successive days and nights. 

Were any saved from the Deluge? 
Yes, Noah and his wife, his three sons, and their 
wives; eight persons in all. 

Were any animals preserved? 
Yes ; all kinds of birds, beasts, and creeping things ; 
of birds and clean beasts seven and seven, male and 
female ; of unclean animals two and two ; with food 
suited to each. 

Hoio icere tliey preserved? 
In the Ark, which Noah built by the command of 
God. 

Describe the Ark ? 
It was like a great ship, except that instead of a flat 
deck on the top; it had a sloping roof, which saved 
it from being sunk by the torrents of rain, and was 
pitched within and without. It was three hundred 
cubits long, fifty broad, and thirty high, having lower, 
middle, and third stories; it had one window and a 
door, which God secured on the outside as soon as 
Noah and all with him had entered. 

Hovj long teas the Ark in being built? 
One hundred years. 

Hoio old luas JVbah ichen he entered the ArJc ? 
Six hundred years. 

Hoio long teas JVbah in the Ark ivhen the watori 
began to abate ? 
One hundred and fifty days. 

In what month and lohere did, the Ark rest ? 
In the seventh month, on one of the mountains of 
Armenia, generally supposed to be Mount Arrarat 

In ichat month did the tops of the mountains op- 
pear ? 
On the first of the tenth month. 

How did Noah ascertain that the waters had siih 
sided ? 



2344 A. C.J SCRIPTUK^ HISTORY. 19 

He first sent out a raven, and then a dove : the 
raven did not return, but the dove finding no place 
to rest her foot, returned to the Ark. After seven 
days he sent her out again, and she came to him in 
the evening, bringing an olive branch with green 
leaves in her mouth, which he joyfully received as a 
proof that the waters were dried up. 

How long was Noah in the Arh from the tivie hi 
entered till the time he came out ? _ 
About twelve months. 

CHAPTEE Y. 
noah's sacrifice. 

Whai was NoaNs first act on quitting the Ark ? 
He built an altar and ofiered up holocausts to God 
of all cattle and fowl that were clean. 

BJoio did God testify his ai^i^roval of NbaKs piety 
and gratitude? 

By promising that he would not again curse the 
earth or destroy it as he had done. 

What sign did God give of his covenant ? 
The rainbow. 

Of what should the rainbow remind us f 
Of the infinite mercy and forbearance of God, who, 
though often outraged, is ever mindful of the cove- 
nant he made. 

What should we learn from the fate of those who 
were drowned? 

To avoid sin, which was the cause of their punish- 
ment ; and to lead holy lives, that when death comes 
we may not be unprepared to meet it. 

Of wliat do the Holy Fathers consider the Arh a 
^gure ? 

Of the Holy Catholic Church, which, like the Ark 
iias triumphantly risen above floods and storms, and 



20 CATECHISM OF '[A. M. 1656. 

whieli carries secure witUn her pale all people, tribes 
and tongues. 

What change did God make in man! 8 diet after 
the Deluge f 

He permitted the use of animal food, "save flesh 
with the blood in it.'' 

Name the three sons of Noah? 
Sem, Cham, and Japheth. 

Why did Noah bless Sem and Japheth, and not 
Cham? 

Because on one occasion Noah having drank wine, 
of the intoxicating effects of which he appears not 
to have been aware, was found uncovered by Cham, 
who_, instead of concealing his aged father's weak- 
ness, published it to his two brothers ; these with 
more regard for filial piety, immediately threw a 
cloak over him. 

Who was ChanrUs son ? 
Canaan, who was cursed by Noah for his father's 
want of filial respect. 

What shoidd children learn from this? 
To pay that honor and respect to their parents which 
Grod commands, and carefully to avoid exposing them 
to ridicule or contempt for any private failings the^ 
xnay discover in them, 

CHAPTEE YI. 

THE TOWER OP BABEL. 

In what did the descendants of Cham distingmsh 
themselves, when people became numerous after the 
Deluge f 

In building great cities, and establishing themseJves 
in great possessions. 

Name their principal possessions ? 
Babylon and Nineve, both built by Nimrod ; the land 
which was named after Canaan was divided betwecD 
eome of his sons. 



^^^^^^^^^^ 



I9Y7 A. C.J SCKlPTtrKK HISTORY. 21 

Wh}/ was the Toio&r of Babel coTYimenced f 
When tbe people became numerous and were about 
^0 disperse, they proposed to build a tower the top 
of which should reach *^ heaven, as a lasting monu- 
ment of their greatness ; and it is supposed that they 
designed it as a place of security from the effects of 
any future deluge. 

Why 2vas the tower called Babel ? 
Babel signifies confusion ; for God, to counteract it..e 
project of the builders, confounded their language 
BO that they could not understand each other. 

Whom did Almighty God select as his faithful 
servant, with whom to establish his Covenant f 
Abraham, a just and holy man, descended from Sem, 
and a native of Ur, a city of the Chaldees, where he 
dwelt until Thare, his father, removed his family to 
Haran, a city of Mesopotamia, in which place, after 
a residence of some years, he died; and Abraham, 
at the age of seventy-five years received a command 
from God to leave his country, and his father's house, 
and go to the land whkh he would show him. 

When did Abraham receive this command? 
About 367 yearg after th<^ Deluge. 

Names and ages of the Patriarchs of the second age. 
A. M. 

EORN. DIED. AGED. 

Sem, 1556 2158 600 

Arphaxad, 1658 1996 338 

Sale, 1693 2126 433 

Heber, 1723 2187 464 

Phaleg, 1757 1996 239 

Rehu, 1787 2026 239 

Sarug, 1819 2049 230 

Nachor, 1849 1997 148 

Thare, 1878 2083 205 



THIED AQE OF THE WORLD, 

From the Vocation of Abraham to the Deliverance 
of the Jewsfrcmi Egyjpt, A, M 2023 to 2453. 

CHAPTEE YII. 

HISTORY OF ABRAHAM TO THE BIRTH OP ISAAC. 

Did Abraham obey the cammiand of God without 
May f 

Yes, taking Sarali his wife, Lot, his brother's son, 
and all the substance they had acquired in Haran, 
he left his father's house, and set out on his journey. 

What proTiiise did God mahe to Ah^aham when 
he gave him the above-menti^/ned com^yind? 

" I will make of thee a great nation, and I will 
bless thee, and magnify thy name, and thou shalt be 
blessed. I will bless them that bless thee, and curse 
them that curse thee, and Ik thee shall all the kin- 
dred of the earth be blessed." (Gen. xii. 1, 2, 3.) 

Hoio was the latter part of the promise fidfiUed ? 
By the birth of the Redeemer, who was descended 
from him. 

To what country did God direct Abraham^ s steps f 
To the land of Canaan, where at Sichem he appeared 
to him, and promised the land to his descendants. 

When was the promise fulfilled f 
About 477 years after, when Josue having conquered 
it, divided it among the twelve tribes, the descen- 
dants of Abraham. 

What did Abraham at Sichem ? 
He built an altar to God, which was his practice 
wherever he settled ; whence we should learn to give 
the first and principal place in all our actions to God. 

Whither did Abraham go from Sichem ? 
To the east of Bethel, near Hai, where he also built 
22 



ii^7 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 23 

an altar ; and thence continued his journey to the 
south; but on account of a famine was obliged to go 
on to Egypt where he encountered many dangers 
from which he was delivered by God in reward of 
his faith and obedience. 

Where did Ah^aham dwell when he returned from 
Egypt? 

In the place where he had dwelt before, between 
Bethel and Hai ; ard on the site of the altar he had 
formerly erected, he built another, and called upon 
the name of the Lord. 

Why did Lot separate from Abraham ? 
Because a contest arose between their herdsmen, the 
land being too narrow to contain their increased 
flocks and herds. 

Where did Lot choose to' dwell? 
In Sodom, the plains about which being watered by 
the Jordan were well calculated for feeding his flocks. 

Wliat did God say to Ahraha/m after Lot sepo' 
rated from him ? 

He renewed the promise that his posterity should be 
numerous, and desired him to walk through the land, 
for it should all be his; Abraham accordingly re 
moved and dwelt by the vale of Mambre, in Hebron 
where he built an altar. 

What hefel Lot in Sodom ? 
He was taken prisoner, and his property earned 
away by the armies of four confederate kings, who 
made war against the king of, Sodom. 

How was he restored to liberty ? 
By Abraham, who being informed of what befel him, 
armed 318 of his servants, pursued and defeated th© 
enemy, restored Lot to liberty, and recovered all the 
spoils. 

How did the hing of Sodom act when Abraha/m 
returned after the victory f 
He congratulated him, and begged him to accept of 



24 rATECHISM OF [A. M. 202S. 

all tlie property lie had recovered, but to give bim 
back tbe people. 

Did Abraham accept the reward ? 
No, be disinterestedly refused to take anytbing afl a 
recompense for bimself or bis servants ; but be per* 
mitted bis confederates Aner, Escbol, and Mambrr 
wbo accompanied bim, to take tbeir sbares. 

What other distinguished person came to congrat'A 
late Abraham on that occasion ? 
Melcbisedecb, tbe king of Salem, "Wbo brought 
forth bread and wine, for be was priest of tbe Most 
High God and blessed bim." (G-en. xiv. 18.) 

What did Abraham give to Mdchisedechf 
The tithes of all. 

What did the sojcrijice offered hy Melchisedech 
prefigure f 

That wonderful sacrifice which Jesus Christ, the 
priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech 
instituted, and ordained to be offered in bis church 
to the end of time. 

What vision had Abraham after the deliverance 
of Lot? 

The Lord renewed his former promise to him, but 
foretold him that bis posterity should be strangers, 
and in bondage in a land not their own for four hun- 
dred years, after which they should come out with 
great wealth, and possess the land of promise. 

Did Abraham believe the Word of God f 
Yes, but as the fulfilment of the promise was de 
ferred, Sarah appears to have doubted that she waa 
to be a mother, and therefore desired Abraham to 
take her Egyptian maid, named Agar, to wife, that 
she might have the happiness of seeing an heir to 
their great possessions. 

What was the name of Agar's son f 
Ismael. 



1977 A O.J SCKIPTUKE tflSTORY. 25 

How did Agar act towards Sarah before the hirth 
of Isniael ? 

Very disrespectfully, of which Sarah complained to 
Abraham, who desired her to act as she thought best : 
she punished Agar who ran away, but being admon- 
ished by an angel, returned and humbled herself to 
her mistress. 

Hoio long after the hirth of Ismael did God mors 
txpressly renew his covenant with Abraham f 
Thirteen years, when he changed his name from 
Abram to Abraham ; and his wife's from Sarai to 
Sarah; instituted the right of Circumcision, and 
promised that Sarah should bring forth a son that 
time the next year, who should be called Isaac, with 
whom and his posterity he would establish a per- 
petual covenant. 

Was the promise of Isaach hirth confirmed in any 
extraordinary manner ? 

Yes; by the angels who were entertained by 
Abraham on their way to destroy Sodom. 

For what reason were the angels sent to destroy 
Sodom? 
On account of the grievous sins of the inhabitants. 

How did Abraham act when he understood thai 
Sodom was to he destroyed? 

He humbly begged that the devoted city would be 
spared for the sake of the just that might be in it ; 
and at length obtained a promise that it would not 
be destroyed if even ten just could be found ; but 
Sodom had them not. 

Were any rescued from Sodom? 
Yes ; Lot, Abraham's nephew, with his wife and two 
daughters. 

What directions did the angels give Lot and his 
family when leading them, out of Sodom ? 
To fly to the mountain and not to look back 
9 



26 CATECHISM Olr [A. M. 2023. 

Did any of his family disobey the direction f 
Yes, his wife, who, on looking behind her, was turned 
into a statue of salt ; her fate should be a warning 
to all to obey the commands of God, even in the 
most trifling particulars. 

In what manner were Sodom and the adjoining 
cities destroyed f 

By fire and brimstone, which God rained on them, 
and by which he consumed not only the inhabitants, 
but the fruits and produce of the land. 

What allusion did our Lord mxike to the destruc- 
tion of Sodoniy when reproaching those cities, in which 
he performed most of his miracles^ for not doing 
penance ? 

"If in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the 
miracles that have been wrought in you, they had 

long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes 

If in Sodom had been wrought the miracles that 
.•lave been wrought in you, perhaps it had remained 
unto this day ; but I say unto you that it shall be 
more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of 
judgment than for you." (Mat. xi. 21, 24.) 

Whither did Abraham remove soon after the der 
%truction of Sodom f 

To Gerara, which is situated between Cades and Sur 
in the south of Palestine. 

What happened on his arrival at Gerara 9 
Abimilech, the king, admiring Sarah's beauty, and 
supposing her to be Abraham's sister, for she had 
concealed the truth lest he might be put to death 
on her account, proposed marrying her ; from thia 
perplexity God delivered them by admonishing Abi- 
milech in a vision, who immediately relinquished 
his design, made Abraham many rich presents, and 
formed a league of friendship with him. 

Sow old were Abraham and Sarah when Isaao 
was hornf 



1977 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 27 

Abraham was one hundred, and Sarah ninety, years 
old. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

From the Birth of Isaac to the Death of Abraham^ 
A, M. 2048 to 2123. 

ABRAHAM ABOUT TO SACRIFICE HIS SON. 

What did Sarah require Abrahann to do wJien 
Isaac ivas weaned f 

To send away Ismael and his mother, as she would 
not suffer Ismael to be heir with her son Isaac. 

How did Abraham act f 
Though grieved to part with his son he complied 
with Sarah's demand, being ordered by Grod to do 
BO ; and sent Agar and Ismael away, giving them 
some provisions for a journey, and leaving the event 
to God. 

What hecame of them ? 
They wandered in the wilderness of Bersabee until 
the provisions were spent, when Agar, dreading to 
see her child die, placed him under a tree and re- 
tired to a distance; but Grod sent an angel who 
comforted her, and showed her a well of water with 
which she refreshed the boy. They afterwards re- 
moved to the wilderness of Pharan ; Ismael married 
an Egyptian and had twelve sons, from whom the 
wandering Arabs claim descent. 

What trial did God make of Abraham! s faith 
when Isaac was grown up f 

Be desired him to take Isaac and offer him as a 
holocaust on one of the mountains in the land of 
vision. 

Did AhraJiam hesitate or remonstrate ? 
No, the same night in which he received the com- 



28 G-A'rJECTnJ5M OF [A. M. 2043, 

mand lie arose, and taking Tvitli him two servants 
and his son Isaac, he cut wood for the holocaust, and 
set out on his journey to execute the will of God. 

Why is the command that God gave Abraham to 
sacrifice his son considered a trial of faith? 
Because not doubting the promise Grod had made 
him, " That in Isaac he should become father of a 
great nation, he prepared to sacrifice him, accounting 
that God is able to raise up even from the dead." 
(Heb. xi. 19.) 

What directions did Ahraham give his servants 
V'hen he approached the place appointed hy God for 
the sacrifice? 

To remain where they were whilst he and Isaac 
sacrificed; then laying wood for the holocaust on his 
son, and, carrying fire and a sword himself, they both 
proceeded. 

Of ichom do the holy fathers consider Isaac <% 
figure whilst carrying the wood for the holocaust? 
Of our Lord Jesus Christ carrying his cross. 

Whai did Isaac say to his father as they zcent 
iov:ards the place appointed for sacrifice? 
" Father, behold fire and wood, where is the victim 
for the holocaust ?" 

What did Ahrahcan reply ? 
" G od will provide himself a victim for a holocaujst, 
my son." 

What did Abraham ichen he reached the appoint^' 
ed place ? 

He built an altar, and laid the wood on it, then 
having bound Isaac he laid him on the altar on the 
pile of wood, and took the ^word in his hand to 
sacrifice him. 

Did he sacrifice him? 
N : God by an angel commanded him not to do ?o, 
declaring Qt the same time his approbation of Abrv- 



1952 A. C] SCEIPTURE HISTORY. 29 

ham's readiness to fulfil the command which had 
been imposed on him as a trial. 

What did Abraham offer as a holocaust instead of 
his son? 

A Ram, which he saw behind him, held fast by the 
horns amongst briars. 

What did the angel say after the sacvifme v^as 
vffered ? 

He renewed the covenant that God had made with 
Abraham, and confirmed it with an oath. (Gren, 
^xii. 16, 18.) 

How old was Sarah when she died? 
One hundred and twenty-seven years. She died 
at Hebron, and was buried in a double cave in a 
field in the vicinity, which Abraham purchased of 
Ephron, the Hethite, for four hundred sides of silver. 

What commission did Abraham give his principal 
servant about three years after Sarah^s death, when 
Isaac was forty years of age f 

*' To go to Haram of Mesopotamia, and choose a wife 
for Isaac of his own kindred." (Gen. xxiv.) 

How did the servant act ? 
He took ten of his master's camels, and set out on 
his j ourney with suitable presents. Drawing near the 
city, he made the camels lie down near a well, whence 
the inhabitants used to draw water, and begged that 
God would give him as a sign by which he might 
bnow her whom he designed for Isaac's wife, that 
ghe should reply when asked for some water, " Drink, 
and I will also give drink to the camels." 

What happened lohen he had ended his prayer? 
He had scarcely ended his prayer, when Eebecca, 
grand-daughter to Nachor, Abraham's brother, came 
to the well to draw water, and on being asked for a 
drink of water, answered in the way specified by the 
servant^ who presented her with ornaments, and 
3* 



80 CATECHISM OF [A. M, 210P. 

prostrate before God, thanked him for hi? mfinite 
goodness. 

What folloicedf 
Oil tiie invitation of Laban, Rebecca's brother, he 
went into their house, made known his commission, 
with the favor God had just done him, and asked 
Rebecca's father and brother to permit her to ac' 
company him as his master's wife. They replied, 
that the will of God being m.anifested they could not 
act contrary to it, and Rebecca having consented, 
was married to Isaac. 

Did Ahraham marry after Sarah'' s death f 
Yes, and had several children, but they had no share 
in the inheritance with Isaac, for he was the child 
of promise to whom Abraham gave all his posses- 
sions; but to the others he gave gifts before his 
death, and sent them to the east of the promised 
land. 

Hoio long did Abraham survive Sarah? 
Thirty-eight years, having lived to see his twin 
grand-children, Jacob and Esau, and attained the 
age of 175 years. His sons, Isaac and Ismael, 
buried him in the same cave with Sarah. 

CHAPTER IX. 

HISTORY OF JACOB AND ESAU. 

Descrihe Ja^oh and Esau f 
Jacob was of domestic habits, and his mother's fa- 
vorite ; Esau, was a skilful hunter, and loved by hi? 
father. He was remarkable for his skin being red 
and hairy. 

Hoio did Jacob, who icas horn after Esau, ohtain 
the right of primogeniture f 

By means of Esau's gluttony and want of faith, wh(? 
Bold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage, 
preferring a present gratification to a futui'e reward. 



A_. C. 1899.] SCKIPTCJRE HISTORY. 31 

Hoio was the hidliriglit afterwards confiimied tc 
Jacob f 

Tsaac having desired Esau to procure him meats bv 
hunting, such as he knew he liked, that he might 
bless him before his death. Rebecca, who had been 
present, told Jacob what his father said, and when 
Esau had gone out, she prepared meat such as she 
knew Isaac liked, dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes, 
covered his hands and feet with kid skins, (in order 
to deceive Isaac, who was old and blind,) and de- 
sired him to personate his brother. He did so, and 
had scarcely gone out after having received his 
father's blessing, when Esau returned. 

What did Esau ivhen he discovered that Jacoh had 
supplanted hm% and got the right of jprimogeniture 
confirmed to himself f 

He cried aloud in the bitterness of grief, begging his 
father to bless him also, who, being moved at his 
son's affliction, blessed him, and though he could not 
recall the prophetic blessing that established Jacob 
his superior and lord, yet he foretold him, " that the 
time would come when he would shake off and loose 
his yoke from his neck." (Gen. xxvii. 40.) 

When loas this prophecy fulfilled ? 
When Herod, the Idumean, ascended the throne of 
Juda 

How did Rebecca act lohen she perceived EsaiH 
resentment^ and understood that he would be revenged 
of Jacob at his father^ s death f 
With Isaac's concurrence, who renewed his blessing 
before he set out, she sent him to her brother Laban, 
in order to give Esau's anger time to abate, and that 
he might marry one of her own kindred ; for Esau 
had given his father and herself dissatisfaction by 
marrying women of Canaan. 

What vision had Jacob on his journey f 
In his sleep he saw a ladder standing on the earth 



32 CATECHISM OF \A, M. 2108. 

the top of whicli reached heaven, with angels ascend- 
ing and descending by it, and the Lord appeared 
leaning on the top, who confirmed the covenant made 
with Abraham and Isaac, and promised to be with 
him in all his ways. 

What did Jacob say luTien he aicoJce 9 
*' Indeed, the Lord is in this place, and I knew it 
not. How terrible is this place, this is no other than 
the house of God and gate of heaven." (Gen 
xxviii. 17.) He then vowed to serve God, and to 
offer him tithes of all that he would bestow on him- 

Whom did Jacob marry f 
Lia and Rachel, the daughters of Laban. 

How did Laban treat him f 
At first with kindness, but afterwards harshly and 
unjustly, obliging him to serve longer than he had 
agreed for, and endeavoring to cheat him of his wages. 

Hoiv long did Jacob serve Laban f 
Twenty years ; fourteen for Lia and Eachel, the re- 
maining six for a portion of the flocks. (Gen. 
xxxi. 41.) 

Why did Jacob leave Laban 
Because Laban and his sons envied him on account 
of the wealth he had acquired ; and also because God 
encouraged him to return to his native country by 
promising to be with him. 

How did Laban act when he discovered that Jacob 
had left him ? 

He pursued him, but was warned by God in a vision 
not even to speak harshly to Jacob ; accordingly, 
when he overtook him he made a friendly treaty 
with him, and took leave of his daughters and grand- 
children. 

What means did Jacob adopt to conciliate his 
brother Esau? 

He sent him rich presents, and, when he met him, 
humbled himself before him. 



1892 A. V. I ^OKirTURE HISTORY. 33 

After tchat manner did Jacob pray when he 
reached the Jordan? 

He humbled himself profoundly, acknowledged his 
unworthiness of the least of God's mercies, and of the 
blessings bestowed on him. He called to mind his 
former crossing of the Jordan when fleeing from his 
brother he had nothing but his staff, and compared it 
with his present return, surrounded, as he then was, 
by two companies, and possessing immense wealth, 
for which he was indebted to God, and concluded by 
earnestly prayings that he who desired him to return 
to his native country, would protect him according 
to his promise, and deliver him from the effects of 
his brother's anger. 

What occurred to Jacoh when all hut himself had 
crossed the Jordan? 

An angel wrestled with him, who, not being able to 
overcome him, touched the sinew of his thigh, which 
made him lame, but as Jacob refused to let him go 
until he blessed him, he did so, and changed his 
name from Jacob to Israel. 

Uoio did Esau receive his brother* s presents f 
He was at first unwilling to accept them, but being 
overcome by Jacob's importunity, at length kindly 
did so. 

Where did Jacob dwell after his return from 
Haran ? 

First at Socoth, then near Salem, and afterwards at 
Bethel, where he built an altar by the special direc- 
tion of God, in memory of his appearing to him in 
that place when he fled from Esau. (Gen. xxxv. i. 7.) 

What did Almighty God say to Jacob after he had 
sacrificed at Bethel f 

He blessed him, confirmed the covenant he had madft 
with Abraham and Isaac, and repeated what the 
angel who wrestled with him had said that he should 
be called Israel. 



S4 ^-ATECHISM OF [A. M. 2108. 

Whither did Jacob go after this f 
To Bethleliem, where Racliel died and was buried, 
after having given birth to Benjamin. 

What did Jacob after RacheVs death ? 
He erected a pillar over her tomb, and removed to 
Blambre, near Hebron, where Isaac, his father, still 
dwelt. 

How many sons had Jacob f 

Twelve : Eeuben, Simeon, Levi, Juda, Issacher, 
Zabulon, Dan, Nephtali, Gad, Aser, Joseph, and 
Benjamin. 

How old was Isaac ivhen he died? 
One hundred and eighty years. He was buried by 
his sons, Jacob and Esau, in the family burLil-place 
which Abraham had purchased. 

What did Esau after his father's death ? 
He took his family with all the property he had ac- 
quired in the land of Canaan to Seu% the country 
about which was called after him Tdumea or Edom> 
which signifies red, and was a name given him from 
the color of the pottage for which he sold his birth- 
right. (Gen. XXV. 30.) 

Was Esau prosperous in his undertahings ? 
Yes, he became very rich and powerful ; his sons 
were styled dukes, and many kings of his race 
reigned in Edom before there was a king in IsraeL 

CHAPTEK X. 

HISTORY OF JOB. 

Who teas Job f 
It is supposed that holy Job, whose invincible pa- 
tience is proverbial in all nations, was of the race of 
Esau, and the same with Jobab king of Edom, men- 
tioned by Moses, to whom some ascribe the history 
of this holy man. 

Where did he live and what is said of his chainty? 



1892 A. C] SCRIPTURE msTORY. 35 

He lived in the land of Hus, was possessed of great 
wealth, and had seven sons and three daughters. 
He was charitable to the poor, learned, humble, up- 
right, and pious, and so fearful lest his children 
should fail in any part of the homage and duty they 
owed to Grod, that he every day offered holocausts 
for each. 

Of what did Satan accuse Mm f 
Satan envying his great merit, accused him to God 
of being faithful to him only on account of the abun- 
dant blessings he bestowed on him, and asserted that 
his fidelity would not be proof against adversity, 
which he would evince if permitted to tempt him 

To what did God consent ? 
God knowing his servant's fidelity, consented, as far 
as regarded Job's possessions, but strictly enjoined 
Satan not to injure his person. Thus restricted, 
Satan thought, by overwhelming him at once with 
the loss of all he possessed and held dearest on earth, 
to surprise him into murmuring against God; but 
as his piety was not based on the temporal favors he 
had received, it was not lessened by his being de- 
prived of them. 

What did he exclaim^ when informed of the mis- 
fortunes which had hef alien him f 
When one messenger after another came breathless 
to inform him that his camels and oxen were carried 
away by robbers, his servants slain, his flocks killed 
by lightning, and all his children crushed by the fall 
of a house ; though he rent his garments and shaved 
his head, he fell prostrate on the ground, and woi- 
shipping God^ said, " Naked came I into the world, 
and naked shall I leave it, the Lord gave and the 
Lord hath taken away, as it has pleased the Lord, so 
is it done, blessed be the name of the Lord." 

Of what did Satan a second time accuse Joh f 
When Satan found that he had not prevailed, ani 



36 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2108. 

that Grod regarded Job with increased complacency, 
he again accused him, representing that it was com- 
paratively easy for him to part with his possessions, 
but that he would sui-ely rebel if afflicted with sick^ 
ness. 

What did God permit f 
God then permitted Satan to afflict his person witli 
the reservation that he should not deprive him of 
life ; for the power of the enemy is not equal to his 
malice, and extends no farther than God is pleased 
to permit. Having obtained the desired permission, 
Satan struck Job with a grievous ulcer from the top 
of the head to the sole of the foot. 

What is now said of him f 
Reduced now to the most pitiable state of distress^ 
without possessions, without house, without children, 
abandoned by his friends, reproached by his wife, 
he sat on a dung-hill, and through necessity used 
a potsherd to remove the corrupt matter from the 
ulcers with which he was covered. 

What did he answer ivhen his wife exhorted him 
to ask God to deprive him of life f 
When his wife, through immoderate grief and impa- 
tience, exhorted him to provoke God to deprive him 
of his life, he rebuked her, saying, " If we received 
good things from the hand of God, why should we 
not receive evil," thus patiently submitting to the 
trial that God was pleased to permit, he consoled 
himself with the testimony of a good conscience, and 
the firm belief and hope of a glorious resurrection. 

What is said of three of his friend.s f 

Three of his friends who lived at a distance, hear- 
ing of his affliction, came to comfort him ; but by 
their erroneous and rash judgment, they increased, 
rather than alleviated his sufferings, foolishly think- 
ing and obstinately persevering in the opinion that 
the great miseries that befel Job were sent by God 



1892 A. C] SfJEIPTURB ifTSTOKr. ST. 

in punishment of some secret sin, and by urging him- 
to repent of what he was not guilty, they put him to 
the necessity of defending himself against their un- 
just accusations. 

What did God undertake ? 
But God himself undertook the defence of his ser« 
vant, and at his intercession only pardoned his three 
friends who had judged him rashly, delivered him 
from the power of Satan, who could no longer urge 
anything against him ; and rewarded .him even in 
this life for his patience and piety, by giving double 
what he had been deprived of, turning the hearts of 
his relations and friends with increased affection 
towards him, and giving him other and fairer chil- 
dren than the former, whose children and children's 
children he lived to see. 

CHAPTEE XI. 

JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN. A. M. 2198. 

Which of his sons did Jacoh love most? 
Joseph, who was the first-born of Rachel, and the 
son of his old age, being born when he was ninety. 

Why did his hrethren hate him f 
Because his father loved him more than all the rest 
and because he related to them dreams which por 
tended his future superiority. 

Relate his dreams f 
In the first, he dreamed that he and his brethren 
were binding sheaves in a field, and that his sheaf 
arose, and, as it were, stood, whilst theirs bowed down 
before it ; in the second, he dreamed that he saw the 
sun, moon and eleven stars worshipping him. 

How did his hrethr&ti interpret these ireams f 
His brothers interpret these dreamii to mean that 
they would be subject to him, for which they envied 
tim. 

4 



S8 .CATECHISM OF JA, M. 2198. 

ITou) did his hrethren treat liim when sent hy hig 
'father to them whilst at a considerahle distance with 
the flocks ? '" 

They determined to kill him, thinking it a favora- 
ble opportunity to make his dreams come to nothing, 
but on the interposition of Reuben, threw him into a 
pit, and a little after, when Reuben was absent, sold 
him to Ismaelite merchants, who were travelling i% 
Egypt. 

How old was Joseph at this time ? 
About sixteen. 

HoiD did Josephs hrethren conceal their treatment 
of him from their father f 

They dipped his coat in the blood of a kid, and sen\ 
it to him, thus leading him to suppose that Joseph 
was devoured by some wild beast. 

How did the merchants treat Joseph ? 
They sold him to Potiphar, an officer in the court of 
Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 

What hefell him there ? 
He was cast into prison on a false accusation. 

What occurred whilst he teas in prison? 
The chief butler and chief baker having b^en like- 
wise imprisoned had each a dream, and applied for 
its interpretation to Joseph. He foretold that the 
baker would be put to death, and the butler restored 
to favor. He entreated the butler to remember hiwi 
when so restored. This he promised, but forgot. 

What caused Joseph^ s release from prison ? 
About two years after the chief butler's release, 
Pharaoh had mysterious dreams, and anxiously 
sought their interpretation of his wise men, but they 
were unable to satisfy him. The butler then ren*em- 
bered Joseph, and mentioned to the king what had 
occurred to him in prison; on which Joseph was 
immediately sent for, and interpreted the dreams 



1802 A. C] SUKIFIQIIE HISTORlr. 39 

with sue] I wisdom that Pharaoh gave him his own 
ring, and appointed him governor over all Egypt. 

Relate PliaraohbS dreams? 
He dreamed that he stood on the bank of the river, 
out of which came up seven very beautiful and fat kine, 
after which, seven others ill-favored and lean came 
up and devoured the former. Again Pharaoh dreamed 
that he saw seven full and fair ears of corn come up 
upon one stalk, and then seven others that were thin 
and blasted, which devoured all the beauty of the 
former. 

How did Joseph inter2:>ret them f 
Joseph said, God hath shown to Pharaoh what he is 
about to do, the seven beautiful kine, and the seven 
full ears are seven years of plenty, and the seven lean 
kine, and the seven thin ears that were blasted, are 
seven years of famine to come, which will be so great 
that the plenty of the former years will be forgotten ; 
the fulfilment of the thing is at hand as denoted by 
one dream succeeding the other to the same effect. 

What advice did Joseph give Pharaoh f 
To appoint a wise governor over the land, wbo would 
gather into barns a fifth of the produce of the land 
during the years of plenty, as a provision against the 
famine that would ensue. 

Who loas the governor appointed hy Pharaoh f 
Joseph himself, whose appointment met with ge.neral 
Approbation. 

CHAPTEE XII. 

JOSEPH GOVERNOR OF EGYPT. 

How old was Joseph when he loas appointed giyv^ 
ernor of Egypt ? 

Thirty years : at the same time at Pharaoh's desire 
be married Asenath, daughter to Potiphar, priest of 
Heliopolis. 



40 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2228. 

What tcere the names of Joseph^ s two sons? 
Ephraim and Manasses, who were born during the 
years of plenty. 

Did the famine extend to other countries as tcell 
as to Egypt f 

Yes, Canaan also felt the effects of it. All were 
obliged to have recourse to Joseph in Egypt 
Amongst the rest, his ten elder brothers, who were 
sent by their father to buy corn. 

Ho 10 did Josei^^h act ichen he saw his brethren 
howing down before him ? 

Seeing that they did not recognise him, he pretended 
to think them spies, that he might the more easily 
make inquiries for his father and young brother 
Benjamin. To secure the pleasure of seeing the lat- 
ter, he kept Simeon as a hostage, and declared that 
they should not see himself again unless they brought 
Benjamin ; yet he had their sacks filled with corn, 
and the money put back into each. 

Was Israel willing to let Benjamin go bach loith 
his brethren? 

No, he at first decidedly refused, and it was only 
the dread of perishing of famine with all his family, 
that made him at length yield, and entrust the boy 
to the care of Juda, who promised to be responsible 
for him. 

Hoio did Joseph receive his brethren when they 
reiurned tuith Benjamin? 

He made a feast for them, and, to their surprise, 
helped them according to seniority, but gave the 
largest share to Benjamin. 

What directions did Joseph give the steivard of his 
house ivhen his brethren were about to return ? 
To fill each one's sack with corn, and to put the 
money as before into the top of each, and his silver 
cup in addition into the sack of the younge.^t 



1792 A. C] SCKIPTUKE HlsTOKT. 41 

How did Joseph act when they had gone a littlt 
distance on their journey f 

He sent the steward after them to accuse them of 
having stolen his cup. . 

What did tJiey do ? 
Shocked at such an accusation, and conscious of theii' 
innocence, they desired him to search, declaring thai 
e with whom it would be found should die, and tho 
rest serve as bondmen : the cup being found in Ben- 
jamin's sack they rent their garments, returned to 
the town, fell prostrate before Joseph, and acknow- 
ledged themselves his bondmen. 

What did Joseph answer f 

He answered : " Not so, he alone with whom the 
cup was found shall be my bondman : go you away 
free to your father." Juda, encouraged by this 
clemency, earnestly entreated that Benjamin might 
be permitted to return to his father, and that he 
would be allowed to serve as bondman in his stead, 
and so eloquently and pathetically urged his peti- 
tion, that Joseph could no longer defer making him- 
self known. 

What did Joseph say lohen he saiu the consterna- 
tion of his brethren on discovering that the mighty 
Governor of Egypt was the brother whom they had^ 
sold for twenty pieces of silver? 

'' Come nearer to me, be not afraid, nor troubled 
at selling me into these countries, for God sent me 
before you into Egypt for your preservation : not by 
your counsel was I sent hither but by the will of 
God, who hath made me as it were a father to Pha- 
raoh, and lord of his whole house, and governor in 
all the land of Egypt : tell my father of all my glory, 
and of all you have seen, and make haste and bring 
him to me, for five years of famine yet remain ; and 
I will feed him, and all that belongs to him " Then 
4* 



42 CATECHISM OP [A. M. 2242. 

falling on the neck of his brother Benjamin he wept 
and kissed all his iDrethren. 

Hoio did Pharaoh act when told that JosejpKs 
hi^ethren had come ? 

He desired Joseph to send for his father and kin- 
dred, promising them the riches of Egypt ; and tc 
facilitate their travelling he desired him to seno 
fvasfo'ons for the women and children. 

How did Israel receive the intelligence that Ms son 
Joseph still lived? 

Li first he did not believe it, but when he saw the 
waggons and presents which were sent, he rejoiced, 
and eager to see his son, immediately prepared for 
his journey. 

CHAPTEK XIII. 
Jacob's journey to egypt. — death or joseph. 

What vision had Israel on the way ? 
After sacrificing at Bersabee God called him and 
said, " I am the most mighty God of thy father ; fear 
not, go down into Egypt, for I will make a great na- 
tion of thee there. I will go down with thee thither; 
and will bring thee back again from thence ; Joseph 
also shall put his hands on thy eyes. 

What is the meaning of Bersabee ? 
It means the loell of the oath, because Abraham wt o 
dug it, made there a league with Abimilech, con- 
firmed it with an oath, and paid him for a right to 
the well. 

How mxiny of IsraeV s family entered Egypt? 
Seventy, including Joseph and his two sons. 

Where did Joseph meet his father? 
At Gessen, which was intended by Joseph for his 
father and family, and confirmed to them by Pharaoh 
on their arrival 



1758 ^ C.J SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 43 

Whij did Joseph select the land of Gessen for his 
father and brethren f 

because it was fertile, and well calculated for feed- 
ing their flocks, and also that thej might be sepa- 
rated from the rest of Egypt, for they were shepherds, 
and the Egyptians held all shepherds in abomination. 

How long did Jacob live after he went into Egypt ? 
Seventeen years. He died at the age of 147, after 
blessing his sons who surrounded him. 

What request did he make of Joseph f 
That he would bury him in the double cave in which 
Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca and Lia, were bu- 
ried. (Gen. xlvii. 30 : xlix. 31.) 

To which of his sons did Israel give the principal 
blessings f 

To Juda and Joseph. To the former, he said, Juda, 
thee shall thy brethren praise ; thy hands shall be 
on the necks of thy enemies ; the sons of thy father 
shall bow down to thee. The sceptre shall not be 
taken away from Juda, nor a ruler from his pos- 
terity, till he come that is to be sent, and he shall 
be the expectation of nations. To Joseph, he as- 
signed a double portion, blessed and adopted his two 
sons, preferring Ephraim the younger, to Menasses 
the elder. 

Were not the sovereign power and double portion 
the birthright of Reuben, IsraeVs eldest son ? 
Yes, but he forfeited them by his sins. 

Did Joseph execute all his father's commands ? 
Yes, he had his remains embalmed after the manner 
of the Egyptians, and when the iseventy days of 
mourning were over, conveyed them with great pomp 
into the land of Canaan. 

Whojt. did Joseph'' s brethren after their father was 
interred f 

They earnestly besought his forgiveness, for they 
greatly feared, that no longer restrained by respect 



44 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2373, 

for Ma father's presence, lie would be revenged od 
them for the injury they had done him. 

How did Joseph reply to their petition ? 
He wept, and told them not to fear, for that God 
had turned the evil they designed into good, by 
making him an instrument to save many. Thus he 
kindly comforted them, and he renewed his promise 
to feed them and their children. 

What ought loe learn from JosepK s ^conduct to his 
hrethren ? 

Perfect forgiveness of injuries ; and to deal towards 
enemies with kindness whenever an occasion offers. 

What did Joseph foretell his hrethren a little be' 
fore his death f 

That God would visit them after his death, and put 
them in possession of the land which he promised to 
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

What pi'omise did Joseph exact of his hrethren oil 
that occasion? 

That they would carry his bones with them when 
going to take possession of the promised land. 

How old was Joseph when he died 9 
One hundred and ten years, having been eighty 
years governor of Egypt. 

CHAPTER XIY. 

PRESERVATION OF MOSES. A. M. 2373. 

How were the Israelites treated after Joseph^i 
death? 

With great severity and cruelty by a new king, ano- 
ther Pharaoh, who grew jealous of them on account 
of their power and numbers ; and attempted to de^ 
Btroy them' by imposing on them such heavy bur- 
thens as he hoped would ruin their health. 



1627 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 45 

Were they weakened hy the harsh treatment they 
received f 

No; God strengthened them in proportion to the 
oppression of the Egyptians. 

What means did Pharaoh adopt when he per^ 
ceived that his design of lessening their nitmhers was 
counteracted f 

He first gave private directions to the midwives to kill 
all the male children as soon as they were born ; but 
finding they did not obey, he gave public orders that 
all the male children should be thrown into the river. 

How was Moses preserved ? 
His mother, who had concealed him for three months, 
finding she could do so no longer put him in a bas- 
ket made of bulrushes, which she cemented to keep 
out the water, laid it in the sedges by the bank of 
the river, and sent his sister to watch the result. 
Pharaoh's daughter coming a little after to bathe, 
saw the basket and desired one of her maids to bring 
it to her : seeing an infant crying within, she was 
moved with compassion, and desired the child's sister 
to procure her a nurse, the girl went for her mother, 
to whom Pharaoh's daughter entrusted the child, 
whom she then adopted as her son and called him 
Moses. 

Who were the parents of Moses f 
Amram and Jochabed, both descended from Levi 
Amram was the eldest son of Caath, the second son 
of Levi. 

Where did Moses spend his youth until the for^ 
iieth year of his age ? 

In the Court of Pharaoh, where he was treated as 
the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and instructed in all 
the learning of the Egyptians. (Acts vii. 22.) 

Why did he renounce his title and deny himsdf 
to be the son of Pharaohh daughter ? 
St. Phil says, "He chose to be afflicted with the 



^5 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2413. 

people of God, rather than have the pleasure of sin 
for a time, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater 
riches than the treasure of the Egyptians." (Heb. 
XL 25.) 

Why did Tie leave Egypt f 
lie fled to avoid Pharaoh's anger excited by his 
having killed an Egyptian, whom he saw striking a 
Hebrew. 

Whit tier did hefiyf 
To Madian, where he married Sephora, daughter of 
Jethro, priest of the place, and had two sons born to 
him, Gersam and Eliezer. 

CHAPTEE X V. 

THE BURNING BUSH. A. M. 2413. 

Holo long did Moses dwell in Madian f 
Forty years, (Acts vii. 80,) when having driven his 
father-in-law's flocks into the desert as far as Mount 
Horeb, the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire 
out of the midst of a bush, which, though burning, 
was not consumed. On his approaching to observe 
the wonder more closely, the Lord called to him out 
of the bush, and commissioned him to go to Pha- 
raoh, and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. 

What did Moses reply? 
"Who am I, that I should bring forth the children 
of Israel out of Egypt ?" and " What shall I say to 
the children of Israel, if when I tell them that the 
G-od of their fathers sent me, they should ask me 
his name? 

What did God reply to Moses ? 
*' i Am who Am. You shall say to the children of 
Israel : He who Is hath sent me to you. 

What particular directions did God give Mm ? 
To collect the ancients of Israel, and inform them 



1687 A. C] SCKIFTtJKE llteTORT. 47 

that Grod would bring them out of the affliction of 
Egypt to give them the land which he promised 
their forefathers, and having told them so, to go 
with them to Pharaoh, and beg permission to obey 
the call of Grod, and go three days' journey into the 
desert to sacrifice to him. 

What did Almighty God foretell to Moses ? 
That the ancients would believe him, and that Phao 
raoh would at first refuse to allow the children of 
Israel to go, but afterwards on experiencing the 
divine vengeance would permit them. God also said 
that they should not come forth empty, but that on 
(iheir coming away, they should ask raiment and ves- 
sels of gold and silver of the Egyptians, and that he 
would incline them to give liberally. 

Was Hoses still fearfid of undertahing the mis* 
sion f 

Yes, he feared they would not believe that God had 
appeared to him, so the Lord to encourage him by a 
miracle, commanded him to cast the rod he held in 
his hand on the ground, upon which it was changed 
.nto a serpent, and being desired to take it by the 
.ail it became a rod again. The Lord then desired 
mm to put his hand into his bosom, on which it be- 
came covered with leprosy ; he was directed again to 
put his hand into his bosom, when the leprosy dis- 
appeared. 

What then did the Lord say ? 
** If they will not believe the former Pign," said the 
Lord, " they will believe the latter, but if they will 
not believe either, take water out of the river, and 
pour it out, when it shall be turned into blood." 

Did Hoses still hesitate f 
Yes, he represented his want of eloquence and slow- 
ness of speech, which increased after the Lord had 
fipoken to him. 

WhoA answer did the Lord make to his objection ? 



48 CATECHISM OF | A. 21. 2453. 

** Who made man's mouth ? Did not I ? Go, there- 
fore, and I will be in thy mouth and will teach thee 
what thou shall speak." 

Did Moses make any further objection'^ 
Yes, deeming himself unworthy and incapable of so 
great a work, he said, "I beseech the Lord send 
whom thou will send." 

^Yas the Lord displeased at the perseverance of 
Moses f 

He was ; yet, to meet his weakness, told him that 
his brother Aaron, who was eloquent, would come 
to meet him, and speak to the people for him, and 
that he would be with them both. The Lord de- 
sired him to take the rod in his hand, and work signs 
with it in the presence of Pharaoh, and to go fear- 
lessly, as all who sought his life were dead. 

Did Moses then consent f 
Yes, taking his wife and two sons, he went into 
Egypt, having on the way met Aaron, who came to 
him by the command of Grod. 

CHAPTEE XYI. 

THE PLAGUES OE EGYPT. A. M. 2453 

What did Pharaoh say tchen Moses and Aaron 
begged him to aUow the Israelites to go into the desert 
to sacrifice to the Lord? 

That he knew not the Lord whom they adored, and 
would not suffer them to go ; and that it was a spirit 
of idleness prompted their petition. He then com 
manded the taskmasters to be more rigorous than 
ever, to provide no straw, and yet to exact as much 
work as before. 

Did Moses and Aaron renew their petition to 
Pharaoh 9 
Yes, and by the command of God, wrought a miracio 



IW7 A. O 7 SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 49 

to convince him that they were sent by divine au- 
thority. 

What miracle did tJiey work ? 
Aaron cast the rod on the ground, and it immediate- 
ly turned into a serpent. Piaraoh called his ma- 
gicians, who cast down their rods, which also became 
serpents, but Aaron's rod devoured theirs. 

By loliat means did Moses and Aaron obtain PJia* 
raoh^s consent to lead the Israelites out of Egypt ? 
By bringing on him and his people ten successive 
plagues. 

What teas the first plague ? 
The first was a change of all the water throughout 
Egypt into blood, which was effected by Aaron 
stretching the rod, at the command of MOses, over 
the river. 

What was the second plague f 
The second was the production of an innumerable 
swarm of frogs. 

What teas the third plague ? 
The third was a change of the dust over the land 
into sciniphs, a kind of small flying insect that tor- 
mented man and beast, at seeing which, the magi- 
cians declared to Pharaoh that it was the work of 
G-od ; they had imitated the other plagues, but failed 
in this. 

What ivas the fourth plague f 
The fourth was a grievous swarm of flies, which was 
BO great an annoyance, that Pharaoh relented a lit- 
tle in his obduracy, and offered to permit the Israel- 
ites to sacrifice in Egypt. 

Did Moses object to that f 
Yes ; "It cannot be," he said, *4br we shall sacrifice 
the abominations of the Egyptians to the Lord our 
G-od, now, if we kill those things which the Egyp- 
tians worship, in their presence, they will stone us : 
we will go three days' journey into the wilderness, 
5 



50 CATEOfllSM OF [A. M. 245S 

and will sacrifice to the Lord our Grod. as he hath 
commanded us." 

Did Pharaoh consent to their going into the wxi 
derness f 

He pretended to do so until the plague was removed 
at the prayer of Moses, he then retracted and refused 
to allow them. 

Describe the fifth, sixth and seventh plagues f 
The fifth was a grievous disease of which multitudes 
of cattle died. The sixth afflicted man and beast 
with boils and swelling blains, on account of which 
the magicians could not stand before Moses. The 
seventh was a dreadful storm of hail, thunder, and 
lightning, which destroyed the trees and early crops, 
and killed all the men and beasts that were in the 
fields. 

Did Pharaoh then consent to let the Hebrews go f 
At first he did, having been terrified at the awfu? 
storm ; but when, at the prayer of Moses, it ceased, 
ne refused to allow them. 

Describe the eighth and ninth plagues ? 
The eighth was a multitude of locusts that devoured 
the herbs and trees which escaped the hail. Tha 
ninth was a horrible darkness, so thick that it might 
be felt, which covered Egypt for three days, except 
the land of Gessen, for the Israelites were exempt 
from all the plagues. 

Describe the tenth and last plague ? 
At midnight, on the fourteenth of the month Nisan-, 
which the Israelites thenceforward counted the first 
month of the year, the destroying angel entered 
Egypt, and slew the first-born throughout the land, 
from the first-born of Pharaoh, to the first-born of 
the humblest captive ; and the first-born of all beasta 

How were the Israelites preserved from this visi* 
tation ? 
By the blood of the Paschal Lamb sprinkled on th€ 



1547 A. C] SURIPTUIiE HISTORY. bl 

upper and side door-posts of their houses, in com- 
memoration of which an annual feast was enjoined, 
and thenceforward observed by the Israelites. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

THE PASCHAL LAMB. 

What do you mean hy the Paschal Lamh f 
A. lamb, a male of a year old, which each family, bj 
(he command of God, sacrificed on the fourteenth of 
fche month in the evening, and having signed the 
door-posts with its blood, roasted the flesh, and ate 
it hastily with unleavened bread and w^iid lettuce, 
standing all the time with shoes on their feet, staves 
in their hands, and girded like travellers ready for a 
journey. They were forbidden to break a bone, or 
leave any part until morning. 

Of what icas the Paschal Lamh a figure f 
Of the Blessed Eucharist, and of the Passion of oui 
Lord. 

What did Pharaoh and his people, lohen a cry 
was raised through the land at midnight, that thert 
was death in every house? 

They arose, urged Moses and all the Israelites to 
depart immediately with their flocks, herds, and all 
that belonged to them ; and gave them all that they 
asked of gold, silver, and raiment to a very great 
amount. 

How many were the children of Israel at that time ? 
Six hundred thousand men, who marched armed out 
of Egypt that same night, besides women and chil- 
dren ; and notwithstanding the precipitation with 
which the Egyptians obliged them to go th^y carried 
Joseph's bones with them. 

Hoio long did the Hehrevjs sojourn in Egyp)t ? 
Four hundred and thirty years, which time is com- 



52 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2453. 

pTited from Abraham's first going there the year 
after his call. 

Names and ages of the PatriarcJis of tlie tliird age, 
A. M. 

BORN. 

Abraham, 1948 

Isaac, 2048 

Jacob, 2108 

Levi, 

Moses, 

Amram, the father of Moses, was grandson of Levi, 
who had lived thirty-three years with Isaac^ and 
Isaac had lived one hundred and eight years with 
Sem ; Sem surviving the Deluge five hundred years, 
and Isaac being born three hundred and ninety-two 
years after that event. Thus it appears that what 
Moses recorded in his sacred history was still fresh 
in the memory of men. 



ii 



DIED. 


AGED. 


2123 


175 


2228 


180 


2255 


147 




187 



FOURTH AGE OP THE WORLD, 

From the Deliverance of the Jews out of Egypt to the 
Foundation of the Temple, A, M 2453 to 2972. 

CHAPTEE XYIII. 

THE CROSSING OF THE RED SEA. 

What command did God give the Israelites on 
tea ding them out of Egypt ? 

To keep the feast of unleavened bread and the Phase 
annually, as a perpetual memorial of their deliver- 
ance from 'Egypt; and that on their arrival in the 
promised land they should consecrate to him theij 
first-born sons, and the first-born of every beast 



1S47 A. C.J SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 53 

In loliat manner did God conduct the Israelites ? 
By an angel who went before them in a pillar of 
cloud by day, and in one of fire by night : he led 
them through the desert by the Eed Sea, lest, if they 
were marched through the land of the Philistines 
which was nearer, they might repent, and return into 
Egypt, if they met with serious opposition. 

Did Pharaoh regret having allowed them to go f 
Fes ; and collecting his army, with six hundreu 
chariots, he pursued and overtook them when en- 
camped in front of the Red Sea, having Phihahiroth 
on one side, Beelsephon on the other, and the Egyp- 
tian army in the rear. 

What did the Israelites when they saw how they 
v^ere hemmed in ? 

Being exceedingly terrified, they murmured against 
Moses, and reproached him with having brought them 
out of Egypt to perish in the wilderness. 

What did Moses then ? 
He desired them not to fear, but to stand and see 
the wonders which Grod would work in their favor : 
immediately the angel who went before them, with 
the cloud, moved to the rear and stood between them 
and the Egyptians, while Moses, by the command of 
God, stretched the rod over the sea, which dividing 
left a dry passage, through which they walked, the 
water standing on each side like a wall. 

What did the Egyptians do ? 
The Egyptians followed close, but when the Israel- 
ites reached the opposite side, Moses, by the com- 
mand of God, again stretched the rod over the sea, 
which returned to its former place, overwhelming 
Pharaoh and all his host. 

What part of the Red Sea is it supposed they 
crossed f 

Tha north-western gulf, near the Isthmus of Suez 
5* 



54 CATECHISM OF {A. M. 2453. 

What did Moses and all the ^jeople on reaching 
the opposite shore f « 

They with one accord sang a canticle of thanks- 
giving to God. 

Did the Israelites soon after murmur against 
Moses f 

Yes ; having marched three days through the wil- 
derness without finding water, they murmured when 
they reached Mara, the water whereof was bitter. 

How did Moses act f 
He prayed to God, who directed him to a tree, the 
wood of which rendered the water sweet when thrown 
into it. 

Where did the children of Israel next encamp f 
At Elim, where there were twelve fountains of water 
and seventy palm trees. 

Whither did the children of Israel next journey ? 
To the desert of Sin, between Elim and Mount Sinai, 
which they reached on the fifteenth of the second 
month after their departure from Egypt. 

CHAPTEE XIX. 

THE MANNA 

How did they act on reaching tJie desert of Sin ? 
They murmured against Moses and Aaron, because 
they had no bread, saying it were better they had 
died in Egypt, where they had abundance, than be 
brought there to perish of want. 

What did Moses and Aaron say f 
^Tn the evening, you shall know that the Lord 
hath brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, 
and in the morning you shall see the glory of the 
• Lord, for he hath heard your murmuring against 
him ; but as for us, what are we th?it you mutter 
against us. In the evening, the Lord will give you 
flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the fuU/^ 



1547 A. C] SCKIPTUKi!: HISTOKr. 55 

How vjas this promise fulfilled f 
In the evening, a great number of quails covered 
the camp; and in the morning, a dewlike frost lay 
round about it, which they gathered and made it 
into cakes by the direction of Moses, the taste being 
like bread tempered with oil. (Numbers xi. 8.) 

What did the Israelites say to one another when 
they saw it? 

" Manha," which signifies " What is this ?" to which 
Moses replied, " This is the bread which the Lord 
hath given you to eat." 

What directions did Moses give concerning the 
manna f 

To gather a gomer for each person before sunrise, 
(for it melted by the heat of the sun,) and a double 
quantity on the sixth day, as no manna fell on the 
Sabbath. 

What shoidd we learn from these injunctions con- 
cerning the manna ? 

To overcome sloth by rising early, to anticipate the 
sun in the service of Grod, and not to be too solicit- 
ous about the necessaries of life, nor anxious to 
hoard up a quantity of superfluities for the future. 

What ivas the consequence when some kept manna 
until next day, contrary to the directions of Moses f 
It putrified and became full of worms ; yet when 
there was a gomer of it placed in the tabernacle by 
the command of God, it remained for ages as a 
memorial of the manner in which he had fed his 
people in the desert. 

What teas the consequence when more or less was 
gathered than was prescribed f 
On measuring it, it was found that he who had 
gathered more had not more, nor he less who had 
gathered less ; but all had sufficient. 

What allusion did our Lord m^aJce to the manna, 
when teaching in the synagogue at Capharnaumf 



66 CATECfllSftl OF [A, M. 2453. 

•' Amen, amen, I say unto you ht- that believeth in 
me hath everlasting life ; I am the bread of life. 
Your fathers did eat manna in the desert and are 
dead. This is the bread which cometh down from 
heaven, that if any man eat of it he may not die. I 
am the living bread which came down from heaven 
If any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever, 
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the 
life of the world." 

What did the Jews say f 
The Jews, therefore, strove among themselves, say* 
ing, " How can this man give us his flesh to eat ?'* 
Then Jesus said to them, " Amen, amen, I say unto 
you, except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, 
and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you 
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, 
hath everlasting life, and I will raise him up in the 
last day, for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood 
is drink indeed ; he that eateth my flesh and drink- 
eth my blood abideth in me, and I in him. As the 
living Father hath sent me, and I li^e by the Father, 
80 he that eateth me the same also shall li\e by me. 
This is the bread that came down from heaven. 
Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead. 
Be that eateth this bread shall live for ever.'' 
(John vi. 47—59.) 

Hoiv long v:ere the Israelites fed ivith manna f 
Forty years : it did not cease until they eat of thu 
corn of the promised land. 

Did they ever murmur at having nothing hut mannc 
to eat? 

Yes ; saying their souls loathed that very light 
food ; on which God sent a multitude of quails into 
the camp, of which the people eat so ravenously that 
an immense number of them died. (Num. xi. 33.) 



1547 A. C] sSCRIPTDKE HISTORY. 57 

CHAPTER XX. 

WATER ISSUES FROM THE ROCK. 

How v:ere the people supplied with water when in 
(he desert of Raphidim ? 

By a plentiful stream which issued from the rock 
Horeb on its being struck (at the command of God) 
by Moses, with the rod which had been the instru- 
ment of so many miracles. 

When the people were in icant of water at Cades 
in the desert of Sin^ how did they act ? 
They seditiously assembled murmuring against Moses 
and Aaron, and violently reproaching them with 
having brought them into the desert to perish. 
Btoses and Aaron, prostrate before God, besought 
him to take pity on the people : he directed them 
to assemble the multitude, and taking the rod, to 
strike the rock in their presence, which would im- 
mediately yield an abundant supply of water. They 
did as God commanded, but Moses, striking the rock 
twice, seemed to doubt of the event, for which Al- 
mighty God told him and Aaron that they should 
not lead the people into the promised land. 

Which was the first nation that made war on the 
Israelites ? 

The Amalekites, over whom they gained a com- 
plete victory by the prayer of Moses, who remained 
on a hill at a little distance, holding the rod of God 
in his hand. Aaron and Hur, observing that the 
Amalekites overcame, when Moses, through weari- 
ness, let his hands down a little, stayed them up 
until they were totally defeated. (Exod. xvii.) 

What advice did Jethro, the father-in-law of 
Moses, give him, when he saio that he teas overpower- 
ed hy too much business in judging all the causes of 
the people f 



t8 CATeOHISM of \A, M. 245d. 

To choose just men from among them as rulers under 
Iiim to judge the people in minor things, and to 
have matters of consequence only referred to him. 
(Exod. viii.) 

Did Moses follow this advice? 
He did, with great humility and meekness ; and a 
little after, referred the matter to God. The Lord 
desired him to select seventy ancients of the people 
as assistants, to whom he imparted a share of Moses' 
spirit and gift of prophesy. (Num. xi. 25.) 

What did Moses reply to Josue, when he ashed 
him to forbid Eldad and Medad to prophesy f 
'*Why hast thou emulation for me, that all the 
people might prophesy, and that the Lord would 
give them his Spirit." 

CHAPTER XXI. 

THE LAW GIVEN OX MOUNT SINAI. 

At ivhat period after their deliverance from Egypt 
did the Israelites receive the commandments f 
In the third month. (Exod. xix. 1.) 

What circumstances accompanied the giving of 
them ? 

God having announced to Moses his intention of 
giving the people a law, desired him to have them 
in readiness to receive it on the third day, at which 
time he accordingly descended in fire on Mount 
Sinai, accompanied with thunder, lightning, and 
sound of trumpet ; and pronounced the ten com- 
mandments in the hearing of all the people, who 
were so terrified at the awful sublimity of the scene, 
and at hearing the voice of God, that they kept at a 
distance, saying to Moses, " Speak thou to us, and 
we will hear, let not the Lord speak to us lest WQ 
die." 



1547 A C.J SCRlPTtTKE HISTORY. 59 

What did Moses then do f 
Moses encouraged them, telling tliem not to fear, asf 
Grod had come only that the dread of him might be 
in their hearts to deter them from sin ; they con- 
tinued at a distance, while he went to the dark cloud 
wherein God was, and there received from him a 
collection of wise and holy laws for the regulation 
of the religious and civil duties of his people, with 
two tables of stone, on which the ten commandments 
were written by the finger of God. (Exod. xix., 
Deut. V.) 

How long did Moses spend in that secret interview 
with God? 

Forty days and forty nights, during which he tasted 
no food. 

How did the people act in his absence f 
They assembled round Aaron for permission to have 
an idol like other nations, and he weakly yielding 
to their impious demand, desired them to bring him 
the gold ornaments belonging to their wives and 
daughters, which he moulded into the form of a calf, 

Hoio did Moses find them when he came down 
from the Mount f 

They were engaged rejoicing before it, and singing, 
" These are thy gods, Israel, that brought thee 
out of the land of Egypt," when Moses came down 
from the Mount with the tables of the law of God 
in his hands. 

What did Moses lohen he found them so engaged? 
With grief and anger he threw down the tables, 
which were broken in the fall ; and laying hold of 
the calf he burned and beat it to powder, which he 
put into water and made the children of Israel 
drink. Then severely reprehending Aaron for suf- 
fering such a scandal, he called on all who still re- 
tained a sense of their duty to God, to join them- 
selves to him : he was immediately obeyed by the 



60 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2454. 

whole tribe of Levi, whom he commanded to un- 
sheath their swords, and march right through the 
camp and back again, putting all whom they met to 
death. 

How many were executed that day ? 
About twenty-three thousand. The whole body of 
the Israelites had grievously sinned ; and a part 
were punished as they deserved, that the rest might 
repent and live. 

What did Moses after punishing the people ? 
Prostrate before God, he earnestly implored his for- 
giveness for the people, or else to blot him out of 
the book of life. God mercifully pardoned them ai 
his entreaty. 

Did God renew the commandments ? 
Yes; Moses by the divine command hewed two 
tables of stone like the former, and took them up to 
Mount Sinai, where God wrote on them the same 
words as before. 

How long did Moses spend in this second inter ^ 
vieio ? 

The same length of time as in the first. On de- 
scending from the Mount, his face shone so brightly 
from the intercourse he had with God, that Aaron 
and the people were afraid to approach him. 

Hoio did Moses act when told the cause of their 
fear f 

He covered his face with a veil, wh^ch he wore evor 
after unless when he went irto the Tabernacle. 
(Exod. xxxiv. 33.) 

What may we learn from this cor duct of Mcses f 
To condescend to the weakness of others afi far as 
duty will permit, and carefully to avoid the display 
of any extraordinary favor. 



I 

J 1546 A.. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 61 

CHAPTEK XXII. 

THE TABERNACLE AND THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. 

What icas the first icorh proposed hy Moses to the 
people lohen he came down from the Mount f 
To make the Ark of the Covenant and the Taber- 
nacle, according to the directions he had received 
from God. 

How icere the materials provided for them? 
Moses invited all to make offerings for the work, and 
desired those who were instructed in the workman- 
ship required, to come forward and assist, particu- 
larly Beseleel of the tribe of Juda, and Ooliab of 
the tribe of Dan, whom God had specially named 
and inspired. The people contributed their richest 
stuffs, pkte, ornaments and perfumes so generously, 
that in a short time they had more than was neces- 
sary, a7»d Moses had to make proclamation that they 
should bring no more. 

Describe the ArJc of the Covenant ? 
It was made of setim wood, and measured two cubits 
and a half in length, one and a half in height, and 
the same in breadth. It was overlaid within and 
without with the purest gold ; the top, called the 
oracle or propitiatory, because from it God was 
pleased to give his orders, was made entirely of gold ; 
on either end was a gold cherub, whose wings spread 
over the propitiatory, and towards one another. 

What encircled the Arh f 
The Ark was encircled by a crown of gold, in which 
were four rings, two at each side, through which 
bars of s^tim wood overlaid with gold were put, for 
the purpose of carrying it. In the Ark were depo- 
sited the tables of the law, a golden pot of manna, 
ai>d thft rod of Aaron that had blossomed. (Heb.ix 5.) 



02 CATKUHIS31 0^ [A. M. 215% 

Describe ilie Tahernaclef 
It was made of setim wood overlaid with gold, and 
measured thirty cubits in length, nine in breadth, 
and ten in height. At the entrance which looked 
towards the east were five pillars covered with gold, 
supporting a richly embroidered hanging : the roof 
was covered with dyed skins fastened together with 
loops and buckles of brass, the inside was divided 
into two parts by four pillars of setim covered with 
gold, which were set in silver sockets, and supported 
a veil of exquisite workmanship. 

What teas the Holy of Holies ? 
The apartment enclosed by the veil was called the 
Holy of Holies, in which the Ark was placed, the 
part outside the veil was called the sanctuary, and 
contained the golden altar of incense, the table 
of show-bread, and the seven-branched candlestick 
which bore the lamps that according to the command 
of Grod were to be kept constantly burning. 

Was there any enclosure to the Tahernaclef 
Yes ; it was placed in the centre of a court one hun- 
dred cubits long, and fifty broad, formed by hang- 
ings of fine linen, supported by pillars of brass, over- 
laid with silver, five cubits high. . At the entrance 
of the court was an embroidered hanging of violet, 
purple, scarlet, and fine linen twenty cubits in length, 
and supported by four pillars of the same height and 
workmanship as the rest. 

Where icere the altar of holocausts and the laver 
for the priests to icash themselves placed f 
Within the court, in front of the tabernacle, the 
laver being between the tabernacle and the altar of 
holocausts. 

At ivhat time after the deliverance of the children 
of Israel from Egypt was the Tabernacle erected? 
On the first day of the second year ; and when con- 
secrated, and all things perfectly arranged in it, it 



1646 A. C.l SCRIPTUUK HFSTORY. (53 

was covered by the cloud, and the glory of the Lord 
filled it. 

Hov^ did the Israelites hnow when to journey and 
when to rest? 

" If at any time the cloud removed from the taber- 
nacle they went forward by their troops. If it hung 
over they remained in the same place. For the 
cloud of the Lord hung over the tabernacle by day, 
and a fire by night, in the sight of all the children 
of Israel throughout all their mansions. (Exod- 
x\. 34.) 

What tribe did God appoint to take charge of the 
tabernacle and all things appertaining to the divine 
service f 

The tribe of Levi, whom God took in place of the 
first-born of the children of Israel. "Whilst journey- 
ing towards the land of promise, the principal duty 
of the Levites was to watch round the tabernacle ; 
to carry it, the ark, and all belonging to the divine 
service: and to set up the tabernacle when they 
were to encamp. 

What offering did the Israelites mahe at the dedi* 
Elation of the tabernacle and altar f 
Six wagons and twelve oxen, which Moses, by the 
command of God, gave the Levites for the service of 
the tabernacle. Besides, the prince of each tribe be- 
ginning with eTuda gave each a silver dish and bowl, 
the one weighing one hundred and thirty, the other 
seventy sides, full of flour tempered with oil for 
sacrifice, a gold mortar weighing ten sides, full of 
incense : an ox, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for 
peace offer iitgs. (Num. vii.) 



64 



CATECHISM OF 



[A. M. 2454. 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 



VESTMENTS OF THE PRIESTS AND PRIESTLY OFPIOE. 

Whom did God select from the tribe of Levi to 
minister to Mm as priests f 
Aaron and his sons. (Exod. xxviii.) 

Were the priests distinguished hy dress from the 
est? 

Yes, vestments were made for them by the command 
S)f God, some of which were common to all the priests 
and some peculiar to the High Priest. 

Describe the vestments zoom by the High Priest? 
Besides the white linen garment common to all the 
priests, he wore a violet tunic which reached to his 
feet, confined by an embroidered girdle at the waist ; 
the lower part of the skirt was ornamented all round 
with embroidered pomegranates and little gold bells 
placed alternately. 

What was worn over this ? 
Over this was the Ephod, a vestment embroidered in 
the richest manner having an onyx stone on each 
shoulder, (where it was joined,) with the names of 
six tribes engraved on each. 

What loas worn on the breast? 
On the breast was the Rational, embroidered like the 
Ephod, and fastened to it, having in it twelve pre- 
cious stones, with the name of a tribe engraved on 
each. In the Rational, also, were two words, " Urin? 
and Thummin," which signify " Doctrine and Truth." 
The High Priest likewise wore a mitre, on which th^ 
words " Holy to the Lord " were engraved on a plato 
of gold over the forehead. 

What was the office of tJie High Priest ? 
To burn sweet incense morning and evening on the 
altar of incense, and at the same time to dress the 
lamps on the seven-branched candlestick, and to offci 



1546 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 65 

sacrifice for his own sins and those of the people once 
a year. 

Was there any remarhahle solemnity observed on 
occasion of this yearly sacrifice offered hy the High 
Priest for his own sins and those of the people? 
Fes, many striking ceremonies were performed, and 
on this occasion alone did the High Priest enter the 
tloly of Holies. 

Hoic did God testify his acceptance of the first 
holocaust offered hy Aaron after he was consecrated 
High Priest f 
By sending fire from heaven, which consumed it. 

Hoio were Nadab and Ahiu, the sons of Aaron, 
punished for offering strange fire in their censers f 
They were struck dead by fire from the Lord ; and 
by the command of Moses, were cast without the 
camp, vested as they were in their priestly attire, and 
their father and brethren forbid to mourn for them. 

What place was appointed for the Israelites to 
offer sacrifice inf 

Before the door of the Tabernacle only, and by th« 
dand of the priest. (Lev. xvii.) 

CHAPTEE XXIV. 

THE ORDER OF ENCAMPMENT. THE TWELVE SPIES. 

In ivhat order did the Israelites encamp ? 
The camp of Juda, consisting of 186,400, including 
the tribes of Issacher and Zabulon, on the east ; the 
camp of Reuben, consisting of 151,450, including the 
tribes of Simeon and G-ad, on the south ; the Levites 
were in the centre, surrounding the Tabernacle, ex- 
cept at the east end, which was occupied by the 
priests ; the camp of Ephraim, consisting of 108,100, 
including the tribes of Manasses and Benjamin, on 
the west ; and on the north was the camp of Dan, 
b* 



66 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2464. 

consisting of 157,600, including tLe tribes of Aser 
and Nephtali. (Num. ii.) 

Who tcere appointed hy God to give the signal t& 
march lohen the cloud was liaised from the Taher^ 
nacle f 

The priests, who were to sound silver trumpets, made 
by the command of God for that purpose. (Num. 
X. 8.) 

How long after the Israelites left Egypt did ihey 
get the signal to march^ in order to take possess'^'on 
of the promised land ? 

A year and nearly two months. On the 20th of tne 
second month, the second year, the signal was given. 
(Num. X. 11.) 

Hovj long did they continue the march f 
Three days ; when, murmuring at the fatigue, they 
displeased God so much that he sent fire into the 
camp^ which killed several. 

How was the burning put a stop to ? 
By the prayer of Moses. 

How loas Mary, the sister of Moses ^ punished for 
murmuring against him ? 

She was reproved by God and struck with leprosy, 
but was healed at the prayer of Moses, after being 
excluded seven days from the camp. 

Whither did they journey after Mary teas recalled f 
To the desert of Pharan, whence Moses, by the com 
mand of God, sent twelve men, one from each tribe, 
to view the land of Canaan. 

Hoio did the twelve spies act f 
They spent forty days viewing the land^ and on their 
return praised its fertility, and produced as specimens 
of its fruits, a vine branch with a cluster of grapes 
which required two men to carry, and some pome- 
granates and figs-; but (with the exception of Caleb 
and Josue) gave such a terrific description of the 
inhabitants of the country and the strength of its 



1546 A. O.] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 67 

cities, tliat the people murmured, some praying that 
the}^ might die in the wilderness, and others pro 
posing to appoint a captain to lead them back to 
Egypt. (Num. xiv. 4.) 

What did Almighty God then threaten ? 
To consume them with pestilence ; yet at the prayer 
of Moses he forgave them, but condemned them to 
wander in the desert for forty years, declaring that 
none of them, save Caleb and Josue should enter the 
land, and that their children whom they said would 
fall a prey to their enemies should take possession of 
it. (Num. xiv. 31.) 

How were the ten spies who excited the people to 
sedition punished f 
By sudden death. 

In what direction did God command Moses to lead 
the people then? 
Back again into the wilderness by the Red Sea. 

Did any of tJiem repent of not having gone to take 
possession of the land? 

Yes, and they attempted to do so then, but were 
defeated \Tith great slaughter because God was not 
with them, ns they acted against his will made known 
to them by i^Ioses. 

How was the m.a7i that luas found gathering sticks 
on the Sahhath day punished? 

He was stoned to death outside the camp by the 
command of God. A similar punishment was in- 
flicted a short time before on another who had blas- 
phemed the name of God. (Num. xv. 36; Lev. 
xxiv. 14.) 

CHAPTER XXY 

THE PRIESTHOOD CONFIRMED TO AARON. 

What do you know of the schism of Core ana Mi 
adherents ? 
Core, a Levite. Dathan and Abiron, of the tribe of 



68 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2454. 

Reuben, with 250 leading men, assemoied seditious- 
ly, and called Moses and Aaron to account for as- 
suming authority over the people of Grod. Moses 
astonished at the charge fell prostrate on the ground, 
then addressing himself to Core and the schismatic 
Levites represented to them the honor God had done 
them in selecting their tribe for the service of the 
Tabernacle, which ought to satisfy them withau) 
arrogating to themselves the priestho»>d. 

What did Hoses then do f 
He then sent for Dathan and Abiron, but they con 
temptuously refused to appear and remained in their 
tents, on which he told Core to attend the next day 
with his 250 adherents, each man holding a censer 
to 'ofier incense to God, that Aaron also would be 
present with his censer, and God would prove before 
all whom he had chosen. 

What followed f 
Next day they assembled, acd when the 250 offered 
incense, a fire from God consumed them, and the 
earth opening under the tents of Core, Dathan and 
Abiron, swallowed them with all that belonged to 
them except the sons of Core, who were miraculous- 
ly preserved from death on this occasion. (Num 
xxvi. 11.) 

What did God command conceiving the censers 
that icere used hy the schismatics f 
That Eleazer, the son of Aaron, should beat them 
into plates and fasten them to the altar as a per- 
petual admonition to the children of Israel, and a 
memorial that Aaron and his sons only were chosen 
by God as priests. (Num. xxvi. 11.) 

What accusation did the Israelites hring against 
Moses and Aaron next day ? 

That they were guilty of the death of those who were 
killed the day before. 

Hoio did God punish the seditious f 



1546 A. C.J SCRIPTCTRE HlSTORr. 69 

He sent fire on them, which killed 14,700 before the 
flames were checked. 

IIoio loas the hurning sto]jpedf 
By Aaron offering incense, and praying between the 
living and the dead. 

In loliat manne?' did God confirni the priesthood to 
Aaron and his sons ? 

Ife commanded Moses to asj^mble the children of 
Israel, to take of the prince of each tribe a rod, 
marked with his name, und to place them in the 
Tabernacle, saying that tiie rod of him whom he had 
ehosen should blossom. The next day, all being 
again assembled, Moses went into the Tabernacle 
and brought out tb's rods, when Aaron's was found 
covered with leaves, blossoms, and fruit. (Almonds.) 
(Num. xvii.) 

What did God command Moses to do loith Aaron s 
rod? 

To lay it up in the Tabernacle as a memorial to the 
rebellious children of Israel. 

Where did Mary the sister of Moses die f 
At Cades, in the desert of Sin, where she was buried. 

Where did Aaron die f 
On Mount Hor, on the borders of the land of Edom, 
in the fortieth year after coming out of Egypt, and 
the hundred and twenty-third of his age. Moses 
accompanied him and his son Eleazer to the top of. 
the mountain, stripped him of his vestments by the 
command of God, and clothed Eleazer with them, 
whom he presented to the people instead of Aaron, 
Jor whom they mourlied thirty-days. 

CHAPTEK XXYI. 

THE BRAZEN SERPENT. BALAAM THE SOOTHSA '^.^E. 

In what direction did the Israelites march after 
tilic death of Aaron f 



70 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2491. 

By the way that led to the Red Sea, in order to 
compass the land of Edom, being refused by the in- 
habitants permission to pass through. 

Did they murinur on tlieii' journey f 
Yes, for which God sent fiery serpents among then? 
that bit and killed a great many. 

Hoio loere they relieved from tliem? 
By the prayer of Moses, who, upon their aclvncw* 
lodging their fault besought God for them, and was 
directed by him to make a brazen serpent and set it 
up for a sign, by looking on which they that were 
bitten were healed. 

Of what teas the hrazen serpent a figure f 
Of eTesus Christ on the Cross, (John iii. 14, 15,) the 
true restorer of our health, on whom we should fix 
our ^yes when attacked by the infernal serpent. 

What opposition did the Israelites meet with when 
they dreiv near the land of promise at the close of the 
forty years? 

The Edomites and Amorites refused them permis* 
sion to pass through their land. Sehon, king of the 
Amorites, and Og, king of Basan, attacked them, but 
were defeated ; and Balac, king of Moab, seeing that 
human power could not withstand them, sent Balaam, 
a famous soothsayer, to curse them, but he was un- 
able to do so, and instead of curses pronounced 
blessings on the chosen people of God. 

' Who teas Og f 
lie was the last of the giants. His iron bed is said 
tv. have measured nine cubits in length and four in 
breadth. 

Did any extraordinary circumstance occur tchilst 
Balaam loas on his icay to the King of Moah ivith 
the intention of cursing the Israelites? 
The ass on which he rode spoke, and expostulated 
with him because he beat her severely for twice 
turning out of the way, and at length throwing her- 



1509 A. C] «OKirTURE HISTOID V. 71 

self down, in order to avoid an angel who stood 
with a drawn sword ready to kill him_, but whom 
Balaam did not perceive until the ass spoke ; then 
prostrating himself, he acknowledged his fault, and 
even offered to return, but the angel permitted him 
to go on ; at the same time charging him to speak 
jnlj what he should command. (Num. xxii.) 

Repeat that part of the prophecy lohich Balaam 
was constrained to utter relative to the coming of the 
Messiah f 

" I shall see him, but not now ; I shall behold him 
but not near. A star shall rise out of Jacob and 
a sceptre shall spring up from Israel." (Num. 
xxiv. 17.) 

What advice did the impious Balaam give Balac 
to loithdraio the blessing and protection of God from 
the Israelites? 

To ensnare them into idolatry to which they wero 
but too prone (Num. xxxi. 16 ;) in this he unhappily 
succeeded by the assistance of some of his subjects. 

IIoiu icere the Israelites and MoaLites punished on 
that occasion ? 

Twenty-four thousand Israelites were struck dead by 
Grod, when he was appeased by the zeal of Phineas 
son of Eleazer, the High Priest, under whose com- 
mand Moses placed twelve thousand chosen men ; 
one thousand from each tribe, who attacked the 
Moabites and utterly exterminated them. 

To lohat tribes did Moses give the conquered land 
of Moab and other lands east of the Jordan ? 
To the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe 
of Manasses, on condition of their assisting their 
brethren in the conquest of the promised land. 

To whajt number did the children of Israel amount 
at that time f 

Six hundred and one thousand seven hundred and 
thirty, among whom the tribe of Levi was not u"*" ^ 



72 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2493 

Vcred, because the Levites were specially devoted to 
the service of God, and were not to receive any por- 
tion of the land, tithes being allotted to them, and 
forty -eight cities with suburbs, six of which to be 
cities of refuge, three on the east of the Jordan and 
three in the land of Canaan. 

W'liat command did 3Ioses give the Israelites on 
the part of God lohen they loere about to enter the 
promised land f 

To make no league with the inhabitants, but utterly 
to exterminate them, to break their pillars and 
statues, and to cut down their groves. (Deut. viL 
2—5.) 

CHAPTEE XXYIl, 

JOSUE APPOINTED TO SUCCEED MOSES DEATH OF MOSES. 

Whom did God appoint to lead the people across 
the Jordan into the land of promise f 
Josue, the faithful minister of Moses, who served in 
the Tabernacle from his youth, and was one of those 
sent to view the promised land. (Num. xvii. 18.) 

Why did not Moses lead them in^ as he so earnest" 
ly icishedf (Deut. iii. 25.) 

Because he displeased Almighty God at Cades, in 
the desert of Sin, by striking the rock twice, thereby 
manifesting a weakness of faith. 

What did Moses, lohen he perceived that God 
icoiild not p^ermit him to enter the promised land, hut 
only to view it at a distance f 

He presented Josue to the people, and informed 
them of the will of God ; reminded them of all tha' 
God had done for them ; exhorted them to be faith- 
ful to him ; recapitulated all his former instructions ; 
added others, regulating their conduct when they 
would be in possession of the promised land, and 
finally gave them his blessing. 



1507 A. C] SCRIPTUKE HISTOKY. 7g: 

Relate some of the instructions given hy Moses on 
that occasion f 

He dwelt at length on their duty to God, warned 
them against idolatry, and against offering to God 
anything maimed or lame. He decreed that in case 
of controversies arising, they should be referred to 
the priests and the judge, from whom there should 
be no appeal ; and that all who would not abide by 
iieiv decision should be put to death. He inculcated 
kindness towards all, (except those whom God com- 
manded them to eradicate,) and desired them not to 
injure the trees or other produce of their enemies' 
land. 

What did Moses say in prophesying the coming 
of our Lord? 

'' The Lord thy God will raise up to thee a prophet 
of thy nation, and of thy brethren like unto me : 
him thou shalt hear." (Deut. xviii. 15.) And 
again, in blessing the tribes, he said to Levi : " Thy 
perfection and thy doctrine be to thy holy man, 
whom thou hast proved in the temptation, and 
judged at the waters of contradiction ; who hath 
said to his father and to his mother, I do not know 
you, and to his brethren, I know you not." (Deut. 
xxiii. 8.) 

To what place did Moses go, hy the command of 
God, to view the promised land ? 
To the top of Phasga, on Mount Nebo, which is in 
the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and there he 
died, according to the appointment of God. 

How old was Moses ivhen he died ? 
One hundred and twenty years. His health was 
unimpaired, and his sight undimmed. He was buried 
in the valley opposite the temple of Phogor, near 
Mount Nebo, but the exd.ct spot is not known- 
^Deut. xxxiv. 6.) 
7 



;4 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2493, 

CHAPTER XXYIII. 

^rom the entrance of the Israelites into tlie Land 
of Promise to the Foundation of the Temple. 
A. M. 2493. 

THE CROSSING OF THE J0RDA1n\ 

What directions did Josue give when the thirti^ 
Jays^ mourning for Moses had expired^ 
That the people should be ready to cross the Jordan 
on the third day. 

Did they readily obey Josue ? 
Yes ; and the Rubenites, Gadites, and half tribe of 
Manasses, prepared to cross the Jordan with their 
brethren to assist them, according to promise, in the 
conquest of the land. 

How did they cross the Jm^dan ? 
In the same manner that their fathers crossed the 
Red Sea : God exerted in their behalf, on entering 
the land of promise, the same miraculous power he 
displayed at the coming out of Egypt. 

Describe the j^cissage of the Jordan f 
By the command of God, Josue directed the priests to 
move forward carrying the Ark, and keeping 2000 
cubits in advance of the people who were ordered not 
to approach nearer. As soon as the priests touched 
the water it immediately divided, leaving a dry pas- 
sage into which they entered ; having reached the 
middle of the river they stood until all the people 
passed ; and when all were over, as soon as the priests 
carrying the Ark came on the bank, the river re- 
turned to its accustomed channel. 

What monument did Josue cause to be made of 
this miracle f 

While the priests carrying the Ark were in the mid- 
dle of the bed of the river, he directed twelve men, 



1507 A. C.J SCRIPTUBE HISTORY. 7g 

one from every tribe to take eacli a stone from the 
spot where the priests stood and place them in the 
midst of the camp in the plains of Jericho (Galgal,} 
putting twelve others in their place. 

When did the children of Israel cross the Jordan 
after this r)ianner f 

On the tenth of the first month, the fortj-first yea^ 
after their deliverance from Egypt. (Jos. iv. 19.) 

Hoio long did they remain encamped at Galga) 
before hesieging any place f 

Ten days, during which they kept the phase, and eat 
bread of the corn of the land, after which the manu^ 
ceased. 

CHAPTEE XXIX. 

THE TAKING OP JEKICHO AND HAI. 

Which was the first place they tooh ? 
Jericho. 

Relate the manner of tciking it ? 
By the Divine command, Josue directed the priestf 
to sound the seven trumpets of the Jubilee, and with 
the Ark, accompanied by the entire army, to march 
in procession once a day, for six days, round the 
walls of Jericho, and on the seventh day to march 
seven times round, and shout at a given signal. 
Tliese directions they punctually observed, and a9 
they simultaneously shouted, the walls of Jericho 
fell, and they took possession. 

What reflection do the holy Fathers mahe on this 
miracle ? ' 

That Jericho, with its high walls and strong fortifi- 
cations, thrown down by the sound of the trumpets, 
may be considered emblematic of the pride and great- 
ness of this world, overthrown by the trumpet of the 
gospel ; for God makes use of the foolish things of 



76 CAT^XmiSM OF [A. M. 2493. 

this svorld to confound the wise, and the weak things 
to confound the strong. 

Did the Israelites spare any of the inJiahitants of 
Jericho f 

Rahab and her family only, because she saved the 
liv "js of the spies whom Josue sent to view the place ; 
all the rest they put to death, and killed all tlie cat- 
tle, having been commanded to destroy every thing 
but gold, silver, brass, or iron vessels, which should 
be reserved for Divine service. 

What town did the Israelites attack next ? 
Hai. They were so elated with their success at 
Jericho, that they persuaded Josue to send only 
3,000 men against it, thinking they had nothing to 
do but take possession : they, however, met with 
opposition, and fled, losing in their flight thirty-six 
of their number. 

Was their flight owing to the fewness of their 
numher ? 

No ; but the anger of God was kindled against all, 
in consequence of the sin of one. Josue, ignorant 
of this, humbly prostrate before the Ark, his gar- 
ments rent and dust on his head, expostulated with 
Almighty God for forsaking his people, and then 
learned from him that one had sinned, who should 
be sought for, by lot, next day and burned, with all 
belonging to him. 

On whom did the lot fall? 
The lot fell on Achan, of the family of Zare and 
tribe of Juda, who had appropriated to himself of 
the spoils of Jericho a scarlet robe, two hundred 
sides of silver, and a gold rule of fifty sides, which 
he kept concealed in his t(mt. Having confessed his 
guilt, he was executed_, as God had directed. 

Was Hal then taken? , 

Yes ; God being appeased, delivered it to them, and 
permitted them to divide the spoils. 



1482 A. G.J SCRIPTURE HISTORT. 77 

Did Jie deliver Hai to them in the same manner as 
Jericho f 

No ; but as If training them to battle, he directed an 
ambush to be laid beliind, and a number of chosen 
men to attack in front, and after a little time to re- 
treat, as if flying, to entice the enemy to pursue. 
When all the warriors had rushed out of Hai and 
Bethel, those who were in ambush entered, and set 
the towns on fire, while their brethren turned ou 
their pursuers and exterminated them. 

What did Josue after the destruction of Hai f 
He built an altar of unhewn stones on Mount Hebal, 
as Moses had commanded, and offered on it holo- 
causts and peace offerings, then to fulfil every direc- 
tion of Moses, he wrote the law on stone, and divided 
the people, placing one half by Mount Hebal, the 
other by Mount Garizim, with the ark in the midst, 
and blessing them, read aloud the benedictions they 
should receive if faithful to God, and the curse that 
awaited them if unfaithful. (Jos. viii. 30.) 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE CONQUESTS OP JOSUE. DIVISION OF THE LAND 

AMONG THE TRIBES. DEATH OF JOSUE. 

What resolution did the princes of the land tahef 
To unite, and make war on the Israelites. 

Were there any loho did not enter into the league f 
Fes, the Gabaonites, who foreseeing that it would be 
vain to contend with the people of God, had recourse 
to stratagem to induce them to enter into a friendly 
league with them. They sent ambassadors dressed 
in old clothes, who carried bread that was dry and 
hard, to make the Israelites think they had travelled. 
a great distance, thus deceiving Josue and the an- 
cients who entered into a compact with them ? 
7* 



78 CATECHISM or [A. M. 2453. 

How did it happen that Josue tvas deceived? 
Because he did not consult God, but depended on 
his own judgment. 

How did Josue act tvhen he afterwards discovered 
that the Gdbaonites had deceived him f 
He spared their lives, as he had promised, but ap* 
pointed them servants to the Israelites. 

What did AdonisedeCy hing of Jerusalem^ when 
Tie heard that the Gabaonites had leagued with Israel? 
He assembled the neighboring kings in order to be- 
siege Qabaon. 

What did the Gabaonites then ? 
They sent to Josue for help, who immediately went 
to their assistance, and suddenly overthrew the con- 
federates ? 

What miraculous events occurred during that battle f 
The sun and moon stood still, at the command of 
Josue, " God obeyed the voice of man," and also 
fought for him, casting hailstones on the enemy, by 
which many, more were killed than by the swords of 
the Israelites. (Jos. x. 13.) 

How do you understand the expression^ '^ The sun 
and moon stood still f* 

In the same manner as we still say, " The sun rises 
in the east and sets in the west." Hence the fact 
here related is not at variance with the common 
opinion of modern astronomers, that the motion 
which regulates day and night is that of the earth, 
not of the sun or moon. The standing still of the 
earth is not less a miracle than that of the sun or 
moon would be, and the latter form of expression is 
alone intelligible. 

What effect should such evidences of the omnipo" 
tence of God produce in us f 

They should enliven our faith and animate our hope 
in him who is ever ready to grant the prayer of his 



15^ A. C] SURIFTUKE HISTORS. 79 

faithful seix^nts, sometimes even suspending tte 
laws of the universe for that purpose. 

Was Josue successful in all his undertahingsf 
Fes ; so that in five years after crossing the Jordan, 
the land rested from war, and was divided by lot 
among the nine tribes and half as commanded by 
God, Josue being assisted in the division by Eleazer, 
the priest, and a prince from each tribe. (Num. 
xxxiv. 17. ; Jos. xi. 23, and xiv. 1.) 

What particular portion teas assigned to Caleb ? 
Th^ fields and villages about Hebron, which he 
claimed in virtue of a promise made by Moses forty- 
five years before on his return from viewing the land. 
(Jos. xiv. and xxi. 12.) 

H(/w did Josue act towards the warriors of the 
• two tribes and half icho had assisted in conquering 
the land? 

He dismissed them with rich presents to their fami- 
lies and possessions east of the Jordan. 

What did the princes of the two tribes and half 
on reaching their possessions f 

They built a high altar as a testimony that they and 
the tribes that crossed the Jordan were of one family 
and faith. (Jos. xxii. 34.) 

To what limits did Almighty God tell Josue he 
extended the eastern boundary of the Israelites^ pas* 
sessions f 

To the river Euphrates, as he before promised Moses. 
(Deut. i. 7 ; Jos. 1, 4.) 

What did Josue when he was grown old and saw 
'Jiis death approaching f 

He assembled the ancients, princes, and judges, with 
the people, and represented to them the many favors 
Grod had done them in subduing the surrounding 
nations, and dividing the entire country among 
them by lot ; and as for those nations that still re- 
mained unsubdued, he would also enable them to 



80 CATECHISM OF LA. M. 2455 

conquer them, and continue his blessings and favors 
to them if they remained faithful, but would certain- 
ly drive them out of the land of promise, if they 
turned to the worship of false gods. 

What did the people ansiuer? 
" Grod forbid that we should leave the Lord and 
serve strange gods ; the Lord our God brought us 
and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the 
house of bondage, and did very great signs in our 
sight, and preserved us in all the way by which we 
journeyed, and among all the people through whom 
we passed ; and he hath cast out all the nations, the 
Amorrhite, the inhabitants of the land into which 
we are come ; therefore we will serve the Lord, for 
he is our God.'' 

How old teas Josue when he died f 
A hundred and ten years, having governed the peu- 
ole twenty-five years after the death of Moses. 
(^Josephus Ant. c. i., and Pet., par. ii. 83.) 

What other illustrious person died about the sanie 
time ? 

Eleazer, the son of Aaron. He was buried at 
Gabaoth, in Mount Ephraim, the possession of Phi- 
neas, his son. 

CHAPTEK XXXI. 

HISTORY OF THE JUDGES, FROM JOSUE TO GEDEOW. 

Whom did God appoint to conduct the Israelites to 
iattle after the death of Josue f 

Caleb, prince of the tribe of Juda, who had former- 
ly gone with Josue to view the land, and like him, 
was victorious over its inhabitants. He took many 
cities, among the rest Jerusalem^ which he burned. 
This city was rebuilt, in consequence of the Benja- 
Hiites, to whose lot it fell, having entered into a 
league with the Jebusites, who dwelt in it, (Jud. i. 



U82 A. C. j SCKIPTUKE HISTOKV. 81 

2, 8, 21) ; but, nevertheless, during his time and 
that of the ancients who were with him, the Israel 
ites did not fall into idolatry. (Jos. xxiv. 31.) 

Did any of the other tribes folloio tlie example of 
Benjamin J in mahing leagues loitli the Canaanitesf 
Yes, the greater number, for which God sent an 
angel to reproach them with their disobedience ; on 
which they expressed contrition, and offered sacri- 
fices. They did not, however, correct their fault, 
and, in consequence, fell into idolatry, as had been 
foretold them, and into very great temporal calami* 
ties. 

Which were the principal temporal calamities they 
suffered f 

Civil war, in which about 100,000 lost their lives, 
the tribe of Benjamin being nearly exterminated ; 
together with several grievous oppressions and ta- 
rassings by the neighboring nations. 

Who was the first foreign potentate that God de^ 
livered them to after the death of Josue ? 
Chusam Rasathaim, King of Mesopotamia, who op- 
pressed them greatly ; but on their repentance, God 
raised them a deliverer, in the person of Othoniel, 
son-in-law to Caleb, who conquered their oppressors 
and preserved peace during the remainder of his life. 
He judged Israel forty years. 

How long after Josue' s death teas Othoniel ap' 
pointed f 

About fifteen years, (according to the computation 
of Bossuet and Petavius.) 

Did the Israelites remain faithful after the death 
of Othoniel f 

No ; they again abandoned the service of God, who 
delivered them into the power of the Moabites, but 
on their repentance raised Aod, and after him Sam- 
gar, who defeated their enemies and judged for eighty 
y^ars. 



82 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2518, 

For ichat icere these two judges remarJcahle f 
Aod for using tlie left hand as well as the right, and 
for killing Eglon, King of Moab. Samgar for slay- 
ing six hundred Philistines with a plough-share. 

Did the Israelites again transgress f 
Yes, and God delivered them into the power of Jrjbin, 
King of Canaan, who with his general, Sisara^ grier- 
ously oppressed them. 

Whom did God raise to deliver them, ichen called 
on? 

Deborah, a prophetess, who judged Israel forty years. 
Sending for Barac, a valiant man of the tribe of 
Nephtali, she told him that God appointed him to 
lead an army to Mount Thabor, where he would de- 
liver to him Sisara, with the warriors and chariots 
in which he trusted ; on which Barac accepted the 
charge, but required that she should go with him. 

Did Deborah consent? 
Yos, but told him that the victory should not be 
attributed to him, as Sisara would be slain by a 
woman ; which happened as she foretold ; God 
struck Sisara with such fear at the sight of Barac, 
that, although in the midst of his great army, with 
900 chariots armed with scythes, he fled and took 
refuge in the tent of a man named Haber, whose wife 
di'ove a nail into his head whilst he slept. His 
army in the meantime was utterly destroyed by 
Barac 

CHAPTEK XXXII. 

HISTORY OF GEDEON AND OP ABIMILECH. 

Did the Israelites again offend God f 
Yes, for which he delivered them into the power ol 
the Madianites, who treated them very cruelly, lay- 
ing waste their fields and obliging them to fly to the 
mountains, to seek shelter in dens and caves. 



1547 A. C] SCRIFTUKE HISTORV. 83 

WJio7)i did God raise to rescue them when they 
returned to him f 

Gedeon, who was of an obscure family of the tribe 
of Manasses, but valiant and pious. He was em- 
ployed in clean\ing wheat, when an angel appeared 
to him and told him to go and conquer the Madian- 

itCH. 

What sign did the angel give that the a2:>pointment 
was from God? 

He waited until Gedeon prepared a sacrifice, con- 
sisting of a boiled kid and unleavened bread, and 
having desired him to lay it on a rock and pour the 
broth of the kid on it, he touched it with the rod he 
held in his hand, upon which fire arose from the rock 
and consumed it. 

What command did Gedeon receive from God on 
the night of that da/y f 

To destroy the altar of Baal, which was in the neigh- 
borhood, and cut down the grove that surrounded it ; 
to offer two holocausts to God, one on the rock 
whereon he had sacrificed the kid, the other on a 
pile of the wood that was dedicated to Baal. 

What did the townsj)eople next day^ lohen they 
discovered what Gedeon had done f 
They demanded him of his father, to put him to 
death ; but he refused to give him up, saying, " Let 
Baal revenge himself if he be able ;" on which Ge- 
deon was surnamed Jerobaal. 

What did Gedeon ivhen he understood that the 
armies of Madian, Amelec, and other eastern nations 
had crossed the Jordan^ to pillage the Israelites and 
destroy their harvests, as they had been in the habit 
of doing f 

He assembled an army of 32,000 men from the 
neighboring tribes, and besought God to give him as 
a sign of victory, that the fleece he laid on the ground 
might be saturated with dew, whilst the ground about 



84 , CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2736. 

it remained dry. The next morning, finding that 
his prayer was granted, he begged, as a further 
proof, that the fleece might be dry and the ground 
wet ; which being also granted, he ,with confidence 
led out the army against the oppresi^ors of his coun- 
try. 

WJiat did Almighty God say to Gedeon when he 
led out the army f 

*' The people that are with thee are many, and Ma- 
dian shall not be delivered into their hands, lest 
Israel should glory against me, and say, I was de- 
livered by my own • strength." He then desired 
G-edeon to make a proclamation that all who were 
timorous .should return; in consequence of which 
only 10,000 remained. 

Did God consider them sttU too numerous f 
Yes, and gave Gedeon a sign by which he should 
know those whom he designed to accompany him to 
battle. 

What teas the sign f 
That when they approached the water, those only 
should go who raised it to their mouths in the hol- 
low of their hands, whilst all who drank kneeling a1 
the stream should return. 

Sow many icere thus chosen ? 
Three hundred. 

What stratagem did Gedeon mahe use of to con^ 
quer the Madianites f 

He divided his men into three companies, and dis- 
persed them round the enemies' camp, giving each a 
trumpet and a pitcher with a lighted lamp inside 
At midnight, on a sign from Gedeon, they broke tho 
pitchers simultaneously, and holding the lamps in 
their hands, shouted : " The sword of the Lord and 
of Gedeon." 

What followed? 
Sounding the trumpets, they so terrified the MadWn 



£168 A. C] SCRIPTUKJB HlSTOKr. 5^5 

ites that they killed one another, and the survivors 
in their flight were cut oif by the Israelites, to whom 
Gi-edeon sent a message to pursue them ; but the 300 
continued sounding the trumpets until the enemy 
was completely routed. 

How long did Gedeon judge Israel? 
Forty years. After his death, the Israelites, forget- 
ful of the great services he had rendered them, per- 
mitted his illegitimate son, Abimelech, to make him- 
self king, and put Gedeon' s seventy sons to death, 
the youngest, only, named Joatham, escaped by be* 
ing concealed. 

How long did Ahimelech survive the murder of Ms 
hrethren and enjoy his ill-gotten dignity ? 
Three years, which he passed in strife with the very 
^people who had assisted him in his injustice and 
iniquity, at 'the end of which time he was killed. 

CHAPTEE XXXIII. 

HISTORY OF THE JUDGES FROM THOLA TO SAMSON. 

Who succeeded Ahimelech ? 
His uncle Thola, who judged Israel twenty-three 
years, and was succeeded by Jair, who governed 
twenty-two years; he had thirty sons, who were 
princes of thirty cities. 

After his death luhat happened? 
After his death the Israelites again strayed from the 
service of God, and were guilty of idolatry, for which 
they were delivered into the power of the Philistines 
and Ammonites, until, humbled by their misfortunes, 
they again implored relief from God. 

What answer did God give them on that occasion ? 
**Did not the Egyptians and che Amorrhites, the 
children of Ammon and the Philistines, the Sido- 
nians also and Amelec, and Canaan, oppress you, and 
you cried to me, and I delivered you out of their 
S 



5(j CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2736. 

bands, and yet you have forsaken me, and have wor- 
shipped strange Gods, therefore I will deliver you no 
more : go and call upon the gods which you have 
chosen, let them deliver you in the time of distress." 
(Jud. X. 11.) 

What did the Israelites then say ? 
** We have sinned ; do thou unto us whatsoever 
pleaseth thee, only deliver us this time ;" and having 
said so, they cast away all their idols and turned to 
the service of God, who, being touched with their 
miseries, raised Jephte, a valiant man of Galaad, to 
deliver them. 

What did Jephte do, when caUed to lead the army 
of Israel? 

He first endeavored, by treaty, to induce the enemy 
to suspend hostilities, but failing in that, prepared 
for battle, and vowed to offer as a holocaust to God 
the first who would come out of his house to meet 
him on his return from the victory. 

Who was the first that came to meet and congratu^ 
late himf 

His only daughter, who seeing the grief and con- 
sternation of her father, and understanding from him 
the cause, encouraged and exhorted him to fulfil the 
vow he had made, only begging a respite of two 
months. (Jud. xi. 39.) 

In what manner did Jephte fidfil his vow ? 
[nterpreters of holy Scripture differ in opinion on 
the subject; some suppose that he consecrated her 
to God by a vow of perpetual virginity, others that 
tie offered her a holocaust to God.* 

How long did Je'phte judge Israel ? 

* This is the more common opinion. Supposimg him to have 
done so, we must say either that what he did was wrong, al- 
though, perhaps, excusable in him on the ground of ignorance ; 
or that it was? 3ustified by a special inspiration of God, who, bt> 
ing the supreme Lord of all, could, of course, authorize svch av 
action. 



1164 A. C.J SCRIPTURE HlSTORr. 87 

Six years, during which an unhappy sedition was 
raised by the tribe of Ephraim ; Jephte had at 
length to take arms, and forty-two thousand Ephraim- 
ites fell in the contest. (Jud. xii. 16.) 

How long were the Isi^aelites in possession of the 
promised land at this time f 
About three hundred years. (Jud. xi. 26.) 

Who succeeded Jephte? 
Abesan, of Bethlehem, who judged Israel seven 
years, and was succeeded by Ahialon, who judged 
iQJX years, to whom succeeded Abdon, who governed 
eight years, after whose death the Israelites again 
fell into idolatry, and were delivered into the power 
of the Philistines. 

After they loere sufficiently punished^ whom did 
God raise to relieve and judge them ? 
Bamson, of the tribe of Dan^ who was consecrated to 
God from his birth, and was remarkable for his great 
strength; he judged Israel twenty years. (Jud. 
XV. 20.) 

Relate some of the exploits of Samson ? 
On one occasion, though unarmed, he killed a furi- 
ous lion, which he seized and tore to pieces. Being 
insulted by the Philistines, the oppressors of his 
people, he caught three hundred foxes and tied light- 
ed torches to their tails, and let them loose among 
the corn and vineyards of the Philistines. On an- 
other occasion being surrounded by an army of Phil- 
istines, he seized the jaw-bone of an ass, and slew a 
thousand of the enemy and routed the remainder, 

How loas Samson miraculously supplied with 
drinh when weary and faint with comhating the 
Philistines ? 

God opened a great tooth in the jaw of the ass (which 
he had used as his weapon,) and water issued forth, 
with which he refreshed himself. 



88 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2736 

How did Samson fall into the jpower of the Pliilr 
istines f 

He suffered himself to be deceived by a womai? 
named Dalila, who after some fruitless attempts to 
discover wherein his great strength lay, at length 
induced him to tell her that beiDg consecrated to 
Grod from his birth, his hair had never been cut, and 
that if it were shaved he would be weak like other 
men. She immediately gave notice to the princes 
of the Philistines, and sending for a barber, had his 
head shaved whilst he slept ; on which his strength 
left him, the Philistines made him prisoner and pulled 
out his eyes. 

Can you relate the particulars of his death f 
As his hair grew his strength returned ; and being 
conducted by the Philistines into a great hall where 
they were holding a feast, Samson laying hold of 
two pillars upon which the building rested, and pray- 
ed to God, saying : " Let me die with the Philis- 
tines," then shaking the pillars, the house fell, and 
Samson was buried in the ruins with three thousand 
of the enemy. 

CHAPTER XXXIY. 

HISTORY OF RUTH. 

What is related of Elimelech f 
During a famine in part of Palestine in the time of 
the judges, Elimelech, a native of Bethlehem, retired 
with his wife and two sons into the land of Moab, 
where he soon after died ; after his death his sons 
married women of the country, but at the end of 
ten years died without children, and their mother, 
Neomi, in deep affliction, prepared to return home. 

What did JSfeomi persuade her daughters-in-law? 
Her two daughters-in-law expressed a wish to ac- 
company her, but she endeavored to dissuade them, 
representing to them that it would be better for 



a64 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY 89 

tliem to remain with their relations fn their own 
country than go to a strange land with her, from 
whom they could expect nothing. 

What did one of them declare f 
One of them, whose name was Euth, would not leave 
her, declaring that death alone should part them. 
*' Whithersoever thou shalt go," said she, " I wil 
go, where thou shall dwell, I also will dwell, th 
people shall be my people, and thy God my God." 

What is said of her faith and piety ? 
Her faith and filial piety were rewarded, for when 
Neomi saw that Ruth was determined to accompany 
her, she no longer offered any opposition, and both 
returned to Bethlehem in the beginning of the barley 
harvest. 

What is related of her ? 
As they were very poor, Ruth asked her mother-m 
law's permission to go into the fields to glean. Pro- 
vidence directed her to the field of a rich man named 
Booz, a near relation of her deceased husband, who, 
noticing her assiduity, inquired of his overseer con- 
cerning her, and hearing an account of her dutiful 
behavior to her mother-in-law, directed that every 
civility and kindness should be shown her, desired 
the reapers to let some corn fall purposely that she 
might not feel embarrassed in taking it, and invited 
her to eat at meal-times with them. 

Did Ruth accept the invitation f 
Tes ; she gratefully accepted the invitation, and in 
the evening related to her mother-in-law all that 
had passed, and gave her part of her dinner which 
she had reserved for her : Neomi prayed for bless- 
ings on their benefactor, and when she understood 
that it was Booz, told Ruth that he being nearly re- 
lated, ought, according to the Mosaic law, to be her 
husband, and desired her to claim the affinity ; she 
obeyed her mother-in-law : Booz acknowledged her 
8* 



90 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2832 

claim, and promised to marry her, if another, who 
was more nearly related, should refuse. 

The next day, ichat did JBooz do .^ 
The next day, Booz, in the presence of ten respect- 
able witnesses explained Ruth's claim to his kins- 
man : " Neomi," said he, " the widow of Elimelech 
is willing to sell a certain field that belonged to the 
deceased, if thou art willing to take it by right of 
kindred, buy and possess it ; but if not, say so, that 
r may know what I have to do ;" he answered *' I 
will buy the field ;" " then/' said Booz, *•' you must 
also marry Ruth, the Moabitess, who was wife to the 
deceased." 

The man having declined, icliat foUoicedf 
The man having declined doing so, as he was mar- 
ried, yielded his right of kindred to Booz, who im- 
mediately married Ruth, with the good wishes and 
blessings of all present, for they were interested in 
her, and admired her for her virtue and piety 
Neomi's happiness was complete when Ruth pre- 
sented her a son to be a comfort to her in her old 
age: she called him Obed, he was father to Issai, 
and grandfather to David. In the history of Ruth, 
the holy Fathers admired the liberal goodness of 
Grod in rewarding her piety with the highest dignity 
on earth, that of being ranked in the genealogy pf 
the Messiah. 

CHAPTER XXXY. 

HISTORY OF HELI AND SAMUEL. 

Who judged Israel after Samson f 
Heli, the High Priest, for forty years. (1 Kings 
iv. 18.) 

Who icas Hell? 
He was High Priest and ministered to God in Silo 
where the ark rested from the time that the Israel- 
ites entered the promised land 



llCfS A. C] SCRinUEE HISTORY. 91 

IToic many sons had he, and what is said of them f 
Ho had two sons, Ophni and Phineas, who scandal- 
ized the people bj their crimes, and deterred them 
from sacrificing to God by their extortions. When 
they were complained to him, instead of punishing 
them as they deserved, he contented himself with 
advising them ; whereupon Almighty God sent a 
prophet to foretell him the sudden death of his two 
sons, and the removal of the priesthood from his 
family, in which there shouid not be an old man 
from that time forward. 

What is said of the prophesy relating to his sons f 
The prophesy relating to his sons was fulfilled soon 
after, for in a battle with the Philistines, the Israel- 
ites seeing that they were likely to be defeated, sent 
for the ark, that its presence might ensure the victo- 
ry ; but the event proved contrary to their expecta- 
tions, they were defeated, the two sons of Heli killed, 
and the ark taken, on hearing which, Heli fell from 
his seat, and broke his neck, being then ninety-eight 
years old. (1 Kings iv. 15.) 

When luas the other part of the propJiesi/ fid filled ^ 
The other part of the prophesy relating to the re- 
moval of the High Priesthood from his family, was 
not fulfilled until the reign of Solomon, when Abia- 
ther, the last of his race that held that dignity, was 
banished for treasonable practices. (3 Kings ii. 27.) 

What illustrious person was consecrated to God in 
the time of Heli f 

The prophet Samuel, who was the fruit of his mo- 
ther's prayers, and consecrated by her to God from 
his birth. When very young, his parents Elcana and 
Anna presented him in the House of the Lord in 
Silo, and left him in Heli's care. 

Of what trihe was he f 
He was of the tribe of Levi, and family of Caath, which 
was the principal among the Levites, and to which 



92 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2833 

the guard of the sanctuary was entrusted. (Num. 
iii. 28.) ^>^' 

What occurred to Samuel when he teas about 
ticelve years old f 

As he slept in the place where the ark was kept, he 
was called three different times. Each time he 
arose, and went to Heli, thinking it was he who 
called him. The third time, Heli understanding it 
to be the voice of God, told Samuel to say, when next 
he heard it, " Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth." 

When called again^ what did Samuel do f 
Accordingly, when God called again, Samuel an- 
swered as he was directed, and God repeated to him 
what he had before foretold to Heli by the mouth of 
the prophet, of the puuishments that awaited him on 
account of not chastising his sons 

What did the Philistines do with the ark when 
they got possession of it f 

They placed it in the temple of Dagon, but the idol 
could not stand in the presence of the ark of the 
Lord, and fell on its face. Being replaced, it was 
found the next day also fallen on the ground before 
the ark, its head and hands broken off. 

How long did the Philistines Iceep the ark? 
Seven months ; during which time they were obliged 
to send it from place to place, everywhere it rested 
the people being 'struck with plagues. At length 
they consulted their wise men, who advised them to 
Bend it back, and with it as a propitiation a little box 
containing golden representations of the plagues 
with which they were afflicted. 

In lohat manner did these wise men order the arh 
to he sent hach f 

On a new cart, having yoked to it two cows that had 
calves which were to be allowed to go whatever way 
they pleased; and according to the direction thej 



iio8 A. C] SijnirrxmE yjsTORr. 93 

took, the people were . to consider the plagues as 
coming from God or happening by chance. 

What direction did the cows take? 
That which led to Bethsames, the nearest Levitical 
town, which was the way specified by the wise men 
as the proof that their punishment came from God. 

How did the JBethsamites act on seeing the ark f 
They rejoiced exceedingly, and breaking up the cart, 
laid the cows on it a holocaust to the Lord, (the 
Levites having previously taken down the ark and 
little box ;) but the people, unmindful of the pro- 
hibition under pain of death, of looking with curiosity 
on holy things, approached nearer than was permit- 
ted and 50,000 of them were struck dead for their 
irreverence. 

What did the Bethsamites then do ? 
They informed the inhabitants of Cariathiarim of 
the arrival of the ark, and begged them to send for 
it. They did so immediately, and carried it to the 
house of Abinidab, in Gabaa, near Cariathiarim, 
whose son Eleazer was sanctified to keep it. 

What effect did the presence of the arh then pro^ 
duce f 

It became the source of blessings to all around, and 
of undisturbed peace to Israel for twenty years, when 
on occasion of a religious festival held at Maspath 
by the prophet Samuel, the Philistines attacked 
them, but God fought for his people by sending a 
dreadful thunder-storm on the enemy, which so en- 
couraged the Israelites that they completely routed 
them. 

Who was the last judge in Israel? 
The prophet Samuel, who was always deservedly held 
iu the highest estimation. 



94 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2892 

CHAPTEB XXXYI. 

SAUL ANOINTED KING OP ISRAEL. 

What led to the Israelites demanding a Icing ? 
Samuel, being grown old, entrusted a share of hi« 
authority to his two sons, who abused it by taking: 
bribes and judging unjustly, which gave the Israel- 
ites, who longed to be like other nations, a pretext 
for demanding a king to judge them and lead them 
to battle. (1 Kings viii. 20.) 

Did Samuel immediately comply with their d^ 
mand f 

No ; he was grieved at it, and consulted Grod, who 
answered that it was himself, and not Samuel, whom 
they rejected, and told him to represent to them the 
great power a king would have, and how he would 
oppress them ; but that if they still persisted in their 
demand, he should yield to them. 

Did they persist in their demand? 
Yes ; and Samuel anointed Saul, the son of Cis, of 
the tribe of Benjamin, their first king. (1 Kinga 

X. 1.) 

What circumstances led to the anointing of Saul ? 
Being sent to seek his father's asses, which had 
strayed away, he spent three days in a fruitless 
search, and then, by his servant's advice, went to 
consult the prophet Samuel concerning them. 

On his approach J what is said of Samuel f 
On his approach, Samuel understood that he was the 
person whom Grod decreed to be king ; he accord- 
ingly invited him to his house, treated him with dis- 
tinction, told him that his father's asses were found 
and in the morning, before they parted, anointed 
him king, assuring him that he should deliver the 
people from the enemies who surrounded and 
harassed them. 



2108 A. C] JSCillPTUKK HISTORY. 95 

What did Samuel do after that f 
He assembled the people to draw lots for the sove- 
reignty, and the lot fell on Saul, who, not being 
present, was sought for, and presented by Samuel to 
them as their king, desiring them to observe the 
majestic appearance of him whom God gave to reign 
over them, for Saul was much taller than any of 
ihem ; and in this also Grod condescended to their 
(^^eakness, who were always attracted by externals. 

Hoio did tliey receive their first king f 
The generality cried out, " Q od save the king ;" but 
*ome malcontents commenced saying, " Shall this 
iellow be able to save us ?" But Saul graciously 
dissembled, as though he did not hear, and acted 
vrith great forbearance towards them. 

In what enterprise did Saul first engage after his 
exaltation f 

In an expedi^on against the Ammonites, who at- 
tacked the town oi Jabes Gralaad, and refused to 
enter into a treaty with the inhabitants, but on con- 
dition of their submitting to have their right eyes 
plucked out. 

What did the hesieged implore^ and what did 
Saul do? 

The besieged implored a respite of seven days, and 
consented to what the Ammonites required, if within 
that time they could not procure help. They then 
sent messengers to Saul, who, on hearing the melan- 
choly account, peremptorily assembled an army, and 
gave the Ammonites a signal defeat. (1 Kings 
xi. 11.) 

What did Savl after that victory f 
He went with Samuel to Galgal to offer sacrifices of 
thanksgiving, and to be more solemnly acknowledg- 
ed king. 

What reproach did Samuel make the people on 
that occasion ^ 



96 CATECHISM OF [A- M. 2892. 

That they had rejected God, who was himself their 
king, and who when called on had always raised up 
a leader from among them to deliver them from 
their enemies ; yet he promised that God would still 
protect them if they continued faithful, but declared 
that they and their king should perish, if they kept 
not their faith with God. (1 Kings xii 25.) 

CHAPTEK XXXYII. 

SAUL'S CONQUEST JONATHAN DISTINGUISHES HI3ISEL> 

What enemies loere next encountered hy Saul f 
The Philistines, whose garrison in Gabaa (Sa^il'* 
residence) being attacked by Jonathan, they a^ 
sembled in great numbers and encamped in Macj^ 
mas with 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen. 

What number had Saul ivith him at that time ? 
Two thousand chosen men, whom he had selecte* 
after the battle with the Ammonites. On that 
occasion he formed a standing army of three thou- 
sand, two thousand of whom he appointed to at- 
tend himself, and one thousand to attend his sod 
Jonathan. 

What place of rendezvous did Said appoint for 
the Israelites before encountering the Philistines f 
Galgal, whither he immediately repaired, and there 
aited the arrival of the prophet Samuel, who waa 
have offered sacrifice before the battle, but as the 
prophet delayed to come, the people slipped away 
until only six hundred remained with Saul. 

What did Saul then do f 
Saul, impatient at the delay, and fearful of being 
attacked by the Philistines, usurped an office to 
which God had not appointed him, and offered the 
holocaust himself, foolishly thinking that God would 
be rendered propitious by the victims being sacri- 
ficed to him, though not offered in accordance with 



1108 A. C] SCRIPTUKE HISTORY. 97 

the law ; but the holocaust was scarcely consumed 
when Samuel arrived, and, understanding what had 
been done, severely reprimanded Saul, and told him 
that God would not continue the kingdom to his 
family. 

Were the six hundred who remained iciih Said 
well armed f 

No ; they had neither sword nor spear, and even 
their implements of husbandry were blunt, for the 
Philistines had taken particular care that they should 
not have a smith among them. (1 King xiii. 19.) 
Saul and Jonathan alone had arms. 

Hoio were the Philistines defeated? 
Jonathan, relying on the power of God, and con- 
sidering that he could defeat an army by means of 
few as well as many, entered jthe camp of the Phil 
istines attended only by his armor-bearer, and 
having killed a great many, created such confusion 
that in their terror they killed one another. The 
tumult being observed by the Israelites, they re- 
gained courage, and pursued the enemy until evening, 
when fatigue obliged them to desist. (1 Kings xiv. 6.) 

What rash vow did Saul mahe during the battle f 
That none should taste food until evening. 

Did any one hreah the voio ? 
Yes, Jonathan not having been aware of his father'? 
TOW, and being faint and weary, took in passing a 
little wild honey. 

How was it discovered f 
At night, when the people had refreshed themselves, 
Saul proposed to renew the battle and utterly exter- 
minate the Philistines before morning. They all 
readily consented ; but Achias, the High Priest, ad- 
vised him to consult God. He did so ; but receiv- 
ing no answer, understood that God was offended^ 
and immediately drew lots to discover by whom. 

On whom did the lot fall f 
9 



98 CATECHISM Olr [A. M. 29t. 

The lot fell on Jonathan, who acknowledged havii f 
tasted the honey; but when his father would har-* 
put him to death, the people would not suifer it, an ' 
Saul had to desist from the pursuit of the Philistines* 
who returned to their homes. 

Was peace estahlished after this battle f 
No, Saul had almost continued wars during his reign 
but by the help of God was always victorious. 

WJiom did Saul encounter after defeating tJu 
Philistines f 

The Amalekites, whom the prophet Samuel, on the 
part of Grod, commanded him to destroy with all that 
belonged to them. 

Was Saul guilty of any act of disobedience in this 
tear ? 

Yes, he spared Agag, king of the Amalekites, and 
reserved the fairest of the flocks, under pretence of 
keeping them for sacrifice. 

What did Samuel say to Saul lohen he understood 
how he had acted? 

That God preferred obedience to sacrifice ; and that 
as Saul rejected the command of God, so God reject- 
ed him from being king of Israel, and would confer 
that dignity on another. 

What became of Agag? 
He was hewed in pieces by Samuel before the ark in 
Galgal, and in presence of all the people who were 
assembled to celebrate the triumph; after which, 
Samuel returned home, greatly grieved for the sin of 
Saul. (1 Kings xv. 82.) 

CHAPTEK XXXYIII. 

"DAVID ANOINTED KING HIS VICTOEY OVER GOLIAH. 

W hat command did God give Samuel whilst ht 
mourned J or Saul? 
To go to Bethlehem, on the plea of offering sacrifice, 



1083 A. C.J SCKIPTURE HISTORY. 99 

and anoint as king one of the sons of Issai, of the 
tribe of Juda. (1 Kings xvi. 1.) 

Which of the sons of Issai did Samuel anoint f 
David, the youngest, who was employed at the time 
of the prophet's visit in keeping his father's sheep in 
the fields, and was not brought forward until Samuel 
had seen his seven brothers successively. Under- 
standing that Grod had not chosen any of them, he 
asked Issai had he no other son, and being informed 
that he had, ordered him to be sent for, and imme* 
diately on his coming in the prophet was desired by 
God to arise and anoint him. Then the Spirit of 
Grod, forsaking Saul, came on David. (1 Kings 
xvi. 13.) 

What affliction hefel Saul immediately f 
An evil spirit troubled him, which his officers per- 
ceiving, advised him to send for a good performer on 
the harp, to soothe him in the frantic fits to which he 
had become subject. David being recommended, 
was sent for, and succeeded in calming the king, 
with whom he became so great a favorite that he 
made him his armor-bearer. 

What teas David^s character f 
He was meek, humble, patient, and forgiving ; pru- 
dent, pious, and valiant ; and was an excellent mu- 
sician. 

Relate as much as you knoio of David's victory 
over Goliahf 

The Philistines assembled in great numbers to at- 
tack the Israelites, who, on their part, under the 
conduct of Saul, prepared to make a vigorous resist- 
ance. As the two armies lay encamped opposite 
each other, a Philistine, named Goliah, of gigantic 
size, came into the midst, scornfully defying the 
Israelites to produce a man who could terminate the 
war by engaging in single combat with him. 
How long did Goliah rejpeat the challenge ? 



100 C'-ATECmSM OF [A. T>T. 2917 

For forty days he daily repeated his challenge twice, 
bufc no one had courage to accept it, though Saul 
had promised to enrich and make the victorious 
champion his son-in-law. 

Who accepted the challenge f 
David, who had been sent by his father with pro- 
visions to his brethren who were in the camp, and 
saw Goliah and heard his challenge. 

What did Saul do f 
Saul, on hearing it, expostulated with him, repre 
senting to him that he was only a boy and the Phi- 
listine a warrior from his youth ; but David alleged 
that he had already killed a bear and a lion that had 
attacked his father's flocks, and that he who had 
preserved him in those dangers would deliver him 
from the proud idolater who had dared to curse the 
army of the living God. 

On seeing him advance, what did Goliah f 
Goliah, seeing him advance, reviled him, despising 
his youth and weapons, for he had only a shepherd's 
sling, while he himself was cased in armor, and had 
a shield, sword, and spear proportioned to his enor- 
mous bulk. David replied : " You come to me. 
trusting in your armor, but I come to you in the 
name of the Lord of Hosts ;" and putting a stone in 
his sling, struck the giant in the forehead, who in- 
stantly falling, David ran up and cut off his head 
with his own sword, upon seeing which the Philis- 
tines fled. (1 Kings xvii. 52.) 

CHAPTEK XXXIX. 

SACL's jealousy. DEATH OF SAMUEL. 

IToio teas Saul affect.ed hy the fame that David 
acquired f 

He was filled with such envy and hatred that he 
bought occasion to kill him. (1 Kings xviii. 8.) 



1083 A. C] SCKIPTURE HISTOKT. 101 

How did Jonathan feel toicards David? 
He loved him as a brother, and cemented with him 
a friendship which ended only with his life. 
What appointment did Saul give David? 
He made him captain over a thousand, at the same 
time admonishing him to be valiant, and that he 
would, according to promise, give him his eldest 
daughter in marriage. This he said, in the hope 
that David by endeavoring to distinguish himself in 
battle would be killed. 

Did Said give David his eldest daughter as he 
had promised? 

No ; at the time appointed for the marriage he gave 
her to another ; but being informed that his younger 
daughter Michol was attached to David, he said he 
would give her to him, but yet, not without the fur- 
ther condition that he should kill a hundred Philis- 
tines. Not having as yet avowed himself David's 
enemy,^ he used these means to rid himself of him ; 
but the event disappointed his envious calculations, 
for David having killed two hundred, Saul was 
obliged to fulfil his promise, and Michol became 
David's wife. 

Did Saul become more reconciled to David then ? 
No; he still pursued him with unrelenting ani- 
mosity, and made many attempts on his life^ from 
which David, being guarded by an ever -watchful 
Providence, escaped. On one occasion he was saved 
by the contrivance of Michol, who deceived fcho king's 
messengers; on another, by a timely warning of 
Jonathan. 

At another time, hoio was David saved? 
Another time^ Saul in person pursued him, and had 
him and his few followers surrounded by his troops, 
when a sudden inroad of the Philistines obliged him 
to withdraw, and so David escaped. 

Did any suffer from SauVs vengeance for having 
9* 



102 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2D17. 

shown kindness to David ivlien Tic fied to save his 

Yes, eighty-five priests, together with their families, 
were put to death by his orders, and all that be- 
longed to them destroyed, because Aehimilech, the 
High Priest, had given bread, and the sword of 
Goliah to David, though at that time he was not 
aware of David's flight from Saul. (1 Kings xxi.) 

Did any of the pi^i/^s dwellinq in Nohe escape on 
that occasion f L^^.^&^yrL^ 

Abiather only, who was son to Aehimilech, the great 
grandson of Heli. He took the ephod, and fled for 
protection to David, who, acknowledging himself the 
cause of all the miseries that befel the priest and his 
family, promised to protect him. 

Did David require the ministry of tlie High 
Priest lohilst he teas endeavoring to elude Said f 
Fes, on one occasion he consulted God through him 
as to whether he should attack the Philistines who 
were then besieging a town, named Ceila. God re- 
plied to do so, promising victory. A little after, on 
the report that Saul intended to attack Ceila where 
he then dwelt, and being apprehensive that the in* 
habitants would deliver him up, he had again re- 
course to God, who answered, " They will deliver 
thee up." (1 Kings xxiii. 32.) So David fled and 
escaped. Also when robbers attacked Siceleg, Da- 
vid's residence, and carried off all that belonged to 
him and his followers in their absence, he consulted 
God to know what he should do, who directed him 
to pursue them, and promised that he should recover 
what was taken. (1 Kings xxx. 8.) 

To tohom did God usually give oracles ? 
To the judge. High Priest, or king. 

How used the oracle to he given f 
W^hen counsel was implored in presence of the ark, 

^ote, — The loaves of proposition, for Jie had no other. 



rOS3 A. C.J SCRIPTURE illSTOixY. 103 

the oracle or voice proceeded from between the che- 
rubiin, on the propitiatory. When the ark was not 
present, the oracle proceeded from the Rational on 
the High Priest's vestment, on which were the words 
Urim and Thummin. God sometimes gave answers 
without either, by prophets. 

Mention some of the instances of magnanimity and 
piety exhihited hy David whilst pursued hy Saul wiCn, 
deadly hatred? 

At one time Saul accidentally went unattended it to 
a cave where David lay concealed with his followers, 
who urged him to cut off his enemy at once, as he 
was then in his power, but David would not raise 
his hand against the Lord's anointed, nor suffer him 
to be injured by any one, and merely cut off a piece 
of the king's robe, which, when Saul had gone a lit- 
tle way, he called after him and showed, remonstra- 
ting with him at the same time for his unjust hatred. 

Can you relate any thing further f 
On another occasion he and one of his followers 
named Abisai penetrated into Saul's camp, and even 
into the royal tent whilst Saul and his attendants 
slept, and again he would not suffer Abisai to kill 
him, but contented himself with taking the king's 
spear which was at his head, of which he made n 
other use than to produce it as a proof of his loyalty 
for when he had gone a little distance he called out 
to Saul, told what he had done, again remonstrated 
with him, and desired one of his servants to come 
for the spear. 

What do the holy Fathers say of David'' s conduct 
on these occasions? 

That it is a reproach to those Christians who retain 
resentment, and fancy that they may push it to what 
lengths they please, to see David who had not had 
the example, nor been taught by the word of an 
incarnate God, so far surpass them in charity aaid 



104 CATECHISM OF ^A, M. 2932. 

forgiveness of injuries : lie preferred remaining con- 
tinually exposed to death from the unjust persecution 
of a tyrant, rather than free himself by raising hi? 
hand against the anointed of the Lord, ^^^y7i 

What great j^^^^son died zvhilst Dmna wns suU 
2yursued hy Said? 

The prophet Samuel to the great grief of the entire 
nation. (1 Kings xxv. 1.) 

CHAPTEK XL, 

FLIGHT OF DAVID. DEATH OF SAUL, 

To icliom did David flee iclien he found that he 
coidd no longer prudently remain in tlie hingdom f 
To Achis, king of the Philistines, who received him 
courteously, and gave him the town of Siceleg, where 
he and his followers dwelt four months. 

What happened about the end of that time ? 
The Philistines going to war with Israel, Achis was 
anxious that David and his followers should accom- 
pany him ; but on the eve of the battle, the lords of 
the Philistines objected so strongly that Achis was 
obliged to send them back. 

On returning to Siceleg ^ ivhat is related ? 
On returning to Siceleg, they discovered that the 
Amalekites had burned the houses, and carried the 
women and children away, on which David having 
consulted God through Abiather, the priest, imme- 
diately pursued the enemy, vanquished them, and 
took possession of the spoil they had collected during 
their robbing expedition, which he divided equally 
between those who had assisted him in the combat, 
and those who through fatigue remained behind. (1 
Kings XXX. 24.) 

Hoiu did Saul act previously to the threatened aU 
tack of the Philistines f 
Dismayed at their appearance, he consulted God as 



I06S A. C.J SCKIFTUKE HISTORY. 105 

to the result of the approaching battle, but received 
no answer. To discover what Grod would not reveal, 
he had recourse to sorcery, and going to a witch who 
lived at Endor, desired her to call to him the pro- 
phet Samuel, lately deceased. The witch used her 
incantations, and it pleased Grod to permit the pro- 
phet to appear. 

What did Samuel say to Said? 
He asked him why he troubled him, and sought in-, 
formation from any one, as God had departed from 
him on account of the disobedience for which he had 
been before reproved, adding, that the Philistines 
would be victorious next day, and he with his sons 
numbered among the dead. 

Was the residt of the battle such as Samuel j^fve- 
dieted f 

Yes, the Israelites were totally routed, and Saul, 
his son Jonathan, and two other sons were killed on 
Mount Grelboe, where the battle was fought. 

In luhat jnanner did Said die f 
Being grievously wounded, and fearing to fall into 
the hands of the Philistines, he threw himself on his 
own sword. (1 Kings xxxi. 4.) 

How long did Said reign f 
Forty years. (Acts xiii. 21.) 

KoiD did David receive the neios of Said's death f 
With sincere grief; and he caused the man who 
brought the intelligence to be put to death, because 
he said he had killed Saul^ hoping to ingratiate him- 
aeif with David. 

CHAPTEE XLI. 

DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED KING. 

What did David ^ ivhen the time of mourning for 
Said and Jonathan had expired f 
lie consulted God as to how he should act, who de- 



106 c?ATECmSM OF [A. M. 2948. 

sired him to go to ITobron, where, on his arrival, he 
wns acknowledged king by the tribe of Juda. (2 
Kings ii. 4.) 

IIoiD old loas David when lie was anointed hing 
in Hebron ? 
Thirty years. (2 Kings v. 4.) 

Hoio long did David reign in Hehron hefore all 
Israel aclcnoidedged liinif 

Seven years and six months, during which time 
there was a contest between him and Isboseth, a son 
of Sanl, who was made king by Abner, general of 
Saul's army. (2 Kings v. 5.) 

How icas the contest terminated? 
By the death of Isboseth and Abner ; the former 
was murdered in his bed by two of his captains, 
and the latter treacherously killed by Joab, general 
of David's army, under pretence of revenging his 
brother Asael, who was slain in battle by Abner. 

Did David resent these murders f 
Tes, he caused the murderers of Isboseth to be put 
to death, but had to be content with mourning for 
Abner, and disavowing all knowledge or share in 
his death, because Joab and his family were too 
powerful for him, as he himself complained, and be- 
sides the murder was clothed with some show of jus- 
tice. (2 Kings iii. 39, iv. 12.) 

Why v:as Joah made general of Daxid^s army ? 
In consequence of a promise which David had made 
when he attempted to take Jerusalem, the strong- 
hold of the Jebusites, that he who would first effect 
an entrance should obtain the command of the army. 
Joab succeeded in the attempt, and was made gen- 
eral. (1 Par. xi. 6.) 

What loas JoaVs character f 
He was a loyal subject and an excellent general, but 
imperious and rude, even to the king; jealous in his 
disposition, and treacherous to those he considered 



^ 



1052 A. CJ SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 107 

rivals. He slew Abner at the time that general 
came over to David's interests, and stabbed Amasa, 
because David on one occasion gave him the com- 
mand of the troops ; he afterwards killed Absalom, 
David's son, contrary to the express command of hia 
father, who desired the rebel's life to be spared. 

What place did David choose for his residence 
when achnoidedged king hy all Israel f 
The castle of Sion, in Jerusalem, from which he had 
previously driven the Jebusites, and having built 
round it, called the place the City of David. 

How did the Philistines act when they heard that 
David was made king ? 

They assembled their forces against him, but he, 
having consulted God, who promised him victory, 
attacked them vigorously and gave them a signal 
overthrow. 

CHAPTER XLII. 
David's piety. — his fall and repentance. 

What was David' s first care ivhen he found him^ 
ielf established in the kingdom f 
To promote the glory of Grod and establish Divine 
worship with due honor, for which purpose he con- 
vened the princes of the tribes, and all the chief 
officers, with the priests and Levites, to translate the 
ark from Cariathiarim, (where it still remained since 
the Philistines returned it,) to the royal city. (1 
Par. xiii. 1.) 

Why did not David convey the ark at that time to 
Jerusalem^ as he intended? 

When he had accompanied it part of the way, with 
great pomp and rejoicing, he was so terrified at the 
fate of Oza, son of Aminidab, who was struck dead 
for having rashly taken hold of the ark when it ap» 



103 CATECHIISM Ol?- )AM. 2948. 

peared in danger of falling, that he had it carried 
into the house of a Levite, named Obededom. (2 
Kings yi. 11.) 

How long did the arh remain in the house of Obe- 
dedom f 

Three months, during which time God so manifestly 
blessed him and all his family, that David, with 
great joy and every mark of veneration, had it re* 
moved to the tabernacle prepared for it on Mount 
Sion. On this occasion he took care to have it car- 
ried by the Levites, according to the appointment of 
God. (1 Par. xv. 2.) 

What did Michol when she saio David^ divested 
of his royal rohes, dancing hefore the ark f 
She reproached him with being like a buffoon^ and 
forgetful of his royal dignity. 

What did David say ? 
He meekly and religiously replied that he would 
humble himself more and more in presence of God, 
who had chosen him preferably to her father and her 
father's house. 

What ought we learn from David^s example in 
thisf 

Not to be deterred by the raillery of the world from 
the performance of our religious duties, but, with 
meek Christian fortitude, manifest by our works 
what we inwardly believe. 

What design did Damd form ivhen he got are- 
spite from war? 

To build a Temple to God, as it grieved him to think 
that the ark of the Covenant rested in a tabernaclr 
covered with skins, whilst he dwelt in a palace of 
cedar. (2 Kings vii.) 

Did the prophet Nathan approve his design? 
Yes, and at the moment encouraged him to put rt 
into execution ; but at night God desired him to in- 
form David ti<at the work should be reserved for Li3 



1052 A. C J SrniPTUKE HISTORY. 109^ 

Bon and successor, Solomon, who would enjoy per- 
fect peace throughout his reign, and therefore be 
better qualified to build the Temple than he, who 
had been engaged in so many wars. (1 Par. xxil 
9 ; xxviii. 6.) 

Did David acquiesce in the Divine decree ? 
He did, and much as he desired to build the TemplOj 
he contented himself with providing materials, leav- 
ing the accomplishment of the work to him whom 
Grod had chosen and devoted himself to promote tho 
happiness of his people, whom he relieved from a 
tribute which they had formerly incurred to soma 
of the neighboring states. (2 Kings viii. 1 — 15. 

Did David, when at the height of prosperity ^ re* 
menijber his former friendship to Jonathvn? 
Yes ; having discovered that Miphiboseth, a son o! 
Jonathan, lived, he sent for him, had him to eat at 
his own table, gave him all that belonged to Saul, 
and appointed Siba, with his family (formerly ser- 
vants to the late king) to serve him. 

What circumstance led to David'' s war icith the 
Ammonites f 

Daas, the king, died, and David, desirous of testify- 
ing gratitude for favors received from him, sent am- 
bassadors to Hanon, his son, to comfort him. That 
young king, suffering himself to be persuaded that 
the ambassadors were spies, had their heads and 
beards shaved, and half their clothes off, which so 
incensed David, that he sent Joab against him, and 
went himself against his allies, to whom he gave a 
signal overthrow. 

What special marh of loyalty and fidelity did 
Joab give in the course of the war with the Am- 
monites ? 

Having closely beseiged Rabbath, the royal city, 
which contained great treasures, and brought it to 
the point of surrenders ig, he sent word to David tc 
10 



110 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 296a 

come and take it, lest, if he delayed, the glory would 
be given to himself. (2 Kings xii. 27.) 

What grievous sins did David commit during thii 
tear ? 
The horrid crimes of murder and adultery. 

Bg what parahle did the Prophet Nathan repiC" 
liend these crimes ? 

"A rich and a poor man dwelt in one city; the 
former had great numbers of sheep and oxen ; the 
latter had only one little lamb. A visitor coming 
to the rich man^ he would not serve him out of his 
abundance, but took the poor man's lamb and dress- 
ed it for him." 

At this, what did David say ? 
At this David, with indignation, said, " He shall 
restore fourfold, and shall die." Nathan replied, 
" Thou art the man;" then pointing out to him hig 
sins, added threats of the Divine justice. David, 
with bitter grief, confessed his iniquity, which the 
Prophet said was pardoned, but for which, neverthe- 
less, he should be severely punished. (2 Kings xii.) 

CHAPTEE XLIII. 

DAVID CAUSES SOLOMON TO BE PROCLAIMED KING. HI!? 

LAST INSTRUCTIONS AND DEATH. 

Hoio did David pass the remaining twenty yean 
■ of his life? 

In wars, and civil dissensions, his son Absoloni 
headed a rebellion, and drove him from the throne, 
to which he was scarcely restored when Siba, a Ben- 
jamite, raised another, and withdrew all but the 
tribe of Juda from their allegiance ; after which, the 
kingdom not being long established in peace, he 
yielded to vanity in numbering the people, which so 
displeased God that he sent a plague, of which sev 
enty thousand died within tnree days. 



1031 A. C.j i^UKlPTUKE HISTORY. HI 

What return did Joah give of tlie number of the 
people f 

That there were 470,000 fighting men of Juda and 
1,100,000 of Israel, exclusive of Levi and Benjamin, 
whom Joab did not number, having unwillingly 
executed the king's orders. (1 Par. xxi.) 

How did David act when he saw the people pun* 
ished for his sinf 

Prostrate before God, in a penitential garb, he hum- 
bly implored him to turn his wrath from the people 
on him who alone was guilty ; on which God, who is 
ever ready to grant more than he is asked, com- 
manded the destroying angel to stop. 

Where did the destroying angel stop f 
Over the thrashing floor of Oman or Arenna, the 
Jebusite, on Mount Moria, in Jerusalem, where Da- 
vid, by command of the prophet Gad, erected an 
ftltar and offered sacrifice, of which God testified his 
acceptance by sending fire from heaven, which con- 
sumed it. (1 Par. xxi.) It was on this site that the 
temple was afterwards built. (2 Par. iii. 1.) 

What did David a little hefore his death ? 
He assembled the princes and ancients, and present- 
ing his son Solomon, announced that God had chosen 
him for his successor, and appointed him to build the 
temple, for which he himself had to the utmost of 
his ability amassed materials of the richest descrip- 
tion, but from his having been engaged in war was 
not permitted by God to erect it. 

Wliat did he then do f 
He then exhorted them to assist Solomon, who was 
very young, (only eighteen,) in the great work, and 
invited them all to contribute to it. They joyfully 
complied, and promised allegiance to Solomon. 

Repeat part of David^s thanksgiving on that occa^ 
non f 
"Thine, Lord, is magnificence, and power, and 



112 CATECHISM or [A.M. 20Ti. 

glory, and victory ; and to thee is praise, for all that 
is in heaven and in earth is thine. Thine is the 
kingdom, Lord, and thou art above all princes. 
Thine are riches, and thine is glory, thou hast do- 
minion over all, in thy hand is power and might, in 
thy hand greatness and the empire of all things. 
Now, therefore, our God, we give thanks to thee, and 
we praise thy glorious name. Who am I, and what 
is my people, that we should be able to promise thee 
all these things? All things are thine, and we 
have given thee what we received of thy hand. (1 
Par. xxix.) 

How did Adonias, David^s eldest soUj act, when 
lie perceived that his father drew near his death? 
He attracted Joab, Abiather, and other persons in 
power, to his interest, and having made a great feast, 
to which he invited all his brethren^, except Solomon, 
caused himself to be proclaimed king by his guests. 
(3 Kings 1.) ^ 

How were the designs of Adonias frustrated? 
The prophet Nathan being informed of what was 
done, went to Bethsabee, Solomon's mother, and de- 
sired her to go immediately to the king, and remind 
him of the promise he had made in favor of her son» 
She did so, and had scarcely ended, when Nathan 
entered, supported her words, and related what had 
just occurred ; on which David desired him to go 
instantly with Sadoc, the priest, anoint, and proclaim 
Solomon king, and place him on the throne that very 
day. (3 Kings i. 34.) 

What did David do i.ohen his directions relative to 
Solomon ivere executed ? 

He returned thanks to God for beholding the sue • 
cesser whom he had chosen, filling the throne ; gave 
instructions to Solomon relative to the building of 
the temple, and the regulation of divine worship, and 
exhorted him to be faithful to God. (3 Kings i. 48.) 



i031 A. C] SCRIPTUKK HISTORY. 113 ' 

What distribution did David mahe of the Levitesf 
He divided the family of Aaron into twenty-four 
courses, consisting of chief men whose turn to minis- 
ter in the priestly office was decided by lot, and under 
whom he placed 24,000 Levites to perform other 
duties in the house of God. He also appointed 6,000 
overseers and judges, 4,000 porters, and 4,000 musi- 
cians. (1 Par. xxiii.) 

What arrangements did David mahe for the army f 
He required 24,000 from each tribe to attend ia 
turn, one month each. (1 Par. xxvii.) 

Hoio old was David lohen he died ? 
About seventy years. He was thirty when he began 
his reign in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and 
a half, and thirty-three over all Israel, in Jerusalem. 
(3 Kings ii. 11.). 

Where teas David huriedf 
In that part of Jerusalem called the city of David, 
which thenceforward became the burying place of 
the kings of Juda. (2 Kings v. 9., and 3 Kings 
ii. 10.) 

How did Adonias act when he heard that Solomon 
was proclaimed king f 

He fled to the altar for sanctuary, but Solomon for- 
gave him, and permitted him to return to his house, 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

Solomon's wisdom. 

Did Adonias renew his pretensions to the throne 
after the death of his father ? 

Yes, for which Solomon condemned him to death,^ 
together with Joab, who was in his interest, and 
banished Abiather, thus fulfilling the prophecy pro- 
nounced against Heli's race, (1 Kings ii. 32,) for 
the High Priesthood immediately passed into anothcx 
branch, and Sadoc was appointed to succeed 
10* 



114 CATECHISM OP [^. M. 29^73! 

WJiom did Solomon make general in place of 
Joal? 

Banais, one of the most valiant among the thirty 
renowned warriors who adhered to David during the 
persecution he underwent from Saul. 

Whom did Solomon marry f 
The daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, about & 
year after his father's death. 

For what was Solomon iJarticidarly renoicned f 
For his wisdom, and in the beginning of his reign 
for his sincere piety, and exact observance of his 
father's precepts. 

lIoiD did Solomon acquire the great d^ree of lois- 
dom he possessed f 

On one occasion, when he had celebrated a religious 
festival with great splendor, and sacrificed a thousand 
victims, God appeared to him at night, and desired 
him to ask what gift he pleased. Through a sense 
of lively gratitude for all that Grod had done for 
him and his father, and conscious of his youth and 
inexperience, he asked for wisdom to govern the peo- 
ple over whom God had placed him, which request 
was so pleasing to God that he granted it, and with 
it all temporal blessings. 

Relate ichat you rememher of a remarJcahle deci' 
sion of his ? 

Two women, whose children were born within three 
days of each other, came before the king. One 
charged the other with having accidentally smother- 
ed her own child at night, and then stolen her living 
child, leaving the dead one in its place. The other 
denied the charge, and claimed the living child as 
hers. 

As there teas no witness in the case, what did Solo^ 
mon do f 

As there was no witness, and each being positive, 
Solomon called for a sword, and ordered the living 



1028 A. C] SCRlPTCmE HISTORY. 1J5 

cliild to bo divided, and half given to each ; the 
mother of the child hearing this decision, cried out, 
" I beseech thee, my Lord, give her the child alive, 
and do not kill it ;" while the other said, " Let it 
belong to neither, but divide it.'' Solomon then or- 
dered the child to be given to the former, whose feel- 
ings evinced that she was really the mother. 

To what did Solomon particularly direct his at- 
tention after his father^ s death ? 
To the building of the Temple, for which he entered 
into a contract with Hiram, king of Tyre, who agreed 
for the annual tribute of 20,000 measures of wheat, 
and twenty measures of the purest oil, to supply him 
with skilful workmen and timber. 



FIFTH AGE OF THE WORLD. 

From the foundation of the TemplCy to the return 
fromj the Babylonian captivity in the reign of 
Cyrus, A, M. 2972 to 546. 

CHAPTER XLY. 

THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE. 

When did Solomon hegin to huild the Temple? 
Id the second month of th 3 fourth year of his reign, 
anl the 480th from the coming of Israel out of 
Egypt into the land of promise. (Deut. i. and Deut. 
iv., 3 Kings vi.) 

Describe the Temple ? 
It was built of ready cut stone, (for the sound of no 
tool was permitted,) was sixty cubits long, twenty 

Note. — The fourth year of his reio^n, computed from the time 
of his being associated with his father in the kingdom, the firs6 
of his reign alone. He began the building in the second montii 
after his father's death. 



Xl6 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 2975. 

wide, and thirty higli. The inner part, called the 
'' Holy of Holies," was twenty cubits square, being 
the full breadth of the Temple, and a third of its 
length, separated from the remainder of the Temple, 
called the sanctuary, by a richly carved and gilt 
cedar partition, against which hung an exquisitely em- 
broidered veil. 

How ivas the interior* of the Temple ornamented f 
The interior of the Temple was highly ornamental 
with carving and gilding ; and the floor was of the 
most precious marble. In front was the porch, 
twenty cubits in length, ten cubits deep, and one 
hundred and twenty high, in which were two pillars 
of great size and beauty, one at each side of the en- 
trance. At the distance of five cubits from the 
Temple was a wall the height of the Temple, and 
surrounding it on three sides ; the space between 
was divided into three stories of chambers for the 
use of the priests, and to store the treasures of the 
Temple. (2 Par. iii., and 3 Kings vi.) 

Describe the Holy of Holies ? 
It was entirely lined with gold, and over that part 
in which the ark of the Covenant was placed, were 
two cherubims covered with gold, with extended 
wings, and of such size that a wing of each reach- 
ed the opposite wall, whilst the other two joined in 
the centre. 

Who icas permitted to enter the Holy of Holies f 
The High Priest only, and he but once a year, when 
Having performed the legal rites, he entered with 
incense and the blood of victims ; and from the time 
he went in, until he came out, no one was permitted 
to enter the sanctuary. (Exod. xxx., Lev. xvi., 
Heb. ix.) 

Of ivhat was the entrance of the High Priest into 
the Holy of Holies a figure ? 
Of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, the obla- 



lv)!!^*5 A. C] SCniPTlTRE Hl»TOiir. 117 

tlon of whose precious blood was prefigured by the 
repeated offerings of the blood of victims, and who 
opened for us a new and living way through the veil, 
that is his flesh, into the Holy of Holies. (Heb. ix 
and X. 19.) 

Of vjJiat loas the offering of incense enihlematic ? 
Of fervent prayer, according to these words of tho 
Psalmist, " Let my prayer be directed as incense in 
thy sight ;'^ and of St. John, " And the smoke of 
the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up 
before Grod from the hand of the angel." Psm. cxL, 
Kev. viii.) 

WTiat was in the Sanctuary, that is, that part of 
the Temple outside the veil of the Holy of Holies f 
The golden altar of incense, ten tables for the loaves 
of proposition, ten golden candlesticks, with censers 
and vessels for perfumes. (2. Par. iv.) 

Where loas the altar of holocausts placed f 
In the Court before the Temple : at each side stood 
five brazen lavers in which the victims were washed 
before sacrifice, and one to the right for the use of the 
priests only, which from its great size was called the 
molten sea ; it was of circular form, five cubits high 
and ten wide, and was supported by twelve brazen 
oxen, three of which looked towards the north, three 
towards the south, three towards the east, and three 
towards the west. 

What do the holy Fathers reinarlt of the constant 
purifications prescrihed hy the old law to those who 
ministered in thi", Temple f 

That the great external purity of the Jews, though 
an actual ordinance, was symbolic of the purity of 
heart and soul which Christians should bring to the 
altar of God. 

In hoio many years from its foundation teas the 
Temple finished f 
In £»even 



118 C'ATJSOHISM 0^ [A. M. 2979. 



CHAPTER XLYl. 

THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. DEATH 01" 

SOLOMON. 

What did Solomon when the Temple was finished 
and furnished ivith every requisite? 
He assembled the princes of tribes, the ancients, and 
the heads of families to assist at the dedication, and 
the solemn translation of the ark from the Taber- 
nacle made by David, to the place destined for its 
reception in the Holy of Holies. (2 Par. v. 7.) 

Did God testify his acceptance of the homage paid 
him on the day of the dedication of the Temple hy 
any remarkahle sign? 

Yes ; when the priests came out from the Sanctuary, 
after placing the ark in the Holy of Holies, and al] 
with one accord had chanted : " Give glory to the 
Lord for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever," 
the Temple was filled with a cloud, so that the priests 
could not stand to minister, for the glory of the Lord 
had filled the house. 

What did Solomon then do f 
Then Solomon returning humble and grateful thani^s 
to God, earnestly besought him to bless the people, 
and to be ever mindful of all the petitions they 
would make in that house, and finally, foreseeing 
their banishment, he prayed God to hear them, 
when with contrite hearts they should pray turned 
towards it. 

What sign did Almighty God give that he heard 
Solomon'' s prayer ? 

He sent fire from heaven which consumed the holo- 
causts. Solomon kept the feast of the dedication 
seven days, during which 22,000 oxen and 120,000 
sheep were sacrificed. 



1021 A. C] SCIUPTURE lllSTOK/. 119 

What vision had Solomon after this ? 
The Lord appeared to him, told him that he had 
heard his prayer, and had chosen the house he built 
for a place of sacrifice ; that his eyes would be on it, 
and his ears attentive to the prayers made in it ; and 
that if Solomon continued faithful, he would exalt 
him, as he had promised David his father ; but that if 
he forsook his service for that of idols, he would cast 
him, his people, and the Temple, far from him. (2 
Par. vii.) 

What other huildings besides the Temple did Solo* 
mon erect f 

A magnificent palace for himself and another for his 
queen, besides rebuilding several towns and fortify- 
ing others. 

What were the characteristics of Solomon^ reign ? 
Universal peace, and great abundance, not only of 
the necessaries of life, but even of luxuries, gold and 
silver being in such quantity that they were scarcely 
valued. 

What was the daily provision for SolomorCs 
house ? 

Thirty measures of fine flour, sixty measures of meal, 
thirty oxen, one hundred sheep, besides venison and 
fatted fowls. 

How loany chariots and horses had Solomon ? 
One thousand four hundred chariots, forty thou- 
eand chariot horses, and twelve thousand for the 
t5addle. 

What distinguished person visited Solomon ? 
The Queen of Saba, who, full of admiration at his 
wisdom, learning, and piety, pronounced the servants 
blest who were always in his presence. (1 Par. ix.) 

What did our Lord say in allusion to the visit of 
the Queen of Saba^ when his miracles and doctrines 
were contradicted by the Pharisees f 
** The queen of the south shall rise in judgment with 



120 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3009. 

tlie men of this generation, and shall condemn them, 
because she came from the ends of the earth to hear 
the wisdom of Solomon, and behold more than Solo- 
mon here." (Luke xi.) 

Did Solomon always continue faithful to God f 
No ; towards the close of his life he married idola- 
trous wives, and to please them built altars to their 
idols, to which he himself offered incense. 

What punishment did God decree for so grea% 
a sin f 

That Vis kingdom should be divided ; the greater 
part given to his servant Jeroboam, and the smaller 
to his son, and even that for David's sake alone, for 
whose sake also he deferred the execution of hia 
threat until Solomon's death. (3 Kings xi.) 

Who was Jerohoamf 
He was a valiant and an ingenious man, whom Solo- 
mon placed over the tributes of all the house of Joseph, 
but when he heard of Ahias' prophecy, that Jero- 
boam should reign over ten tribes, he sought to take 
his life, so that Jeroboam, to avoid the king's wrath, 
fled into Egypt. 

Hoic long did Solomon reign? 
Forty years from the time he was associated with his 
father, thirty-seven alone. 

CHAPTEK XLYII. 

KINGS OF JUDA. ROBOAM, ABIA, ASA. 

Who succeeded Solomon ? 
llis son Koboam. 

What petition did the people mahe to Roboam soon 
after his accession ? 

That he would lighten the burden with which hi* 
fether oppressed them. 

What answer did Rohoam give them ? 



591 A. C] SCRIPTDKI5 HISTORY. 121 

" My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to 
it. My father beat you with whips, but I will beat 
you with scorpions." 

How did the people receive this harsh reply f 
With the greatest indignation, they immediately re- 
nounced their allegiance to him, and made Jeroboam 
(who had returned on Solomon's death) king over 
ten tribes. From this time the kingdoms of Juda 
and Israel continued separate. (3 Kings xii.) 

Did Rohoam make any attempt to recover Vie hing* 
domf 

He did ; assembling 180,000 chosen men, he made 
preparations for war, but was forbidden to proceed by 
Semeias, a holy man, sent by Grod to inform him that 
what occurred was by divine appointment, in pun- 
ishment of Solomon's sin. 

What tribes continued faithful in their allegiance 
to Rohoam f 

Juda, Benjamin, and Lovi. The cities originally 
given to the priests were exclusively confined to Juda 
and Benjamin, with the exception of two or three in 
Simeon, which bordered immediately on Juda. (Jos. 
xxi.) On the separation of the kingdoms of Juda 
and Israel, the Levites left their possessions in the 
different tribes, and went to Jerusalem and Juda, be- 
cause Jeroboam prevented them from exercising 
their functions. (2 Par. xi.) 

How did RohoaTR govern Juda f 
During the first three years of his reign he succeed- 
ed in all his undertakings, because during them he 
was faithful to God. He applied diligently to the 
fortification of most of the cities in his dominions, 
and to storing them with provisions. 

How did God punish Rohoam and the people of 
Juda when they were guilty of idolatry ? 
By means of Sesae, king of Egypt, who took several 
cities of Juda, and even entered Jerusalem, which 
U 



122 OArECHlSM OF lA. M. 3026. 

he plundered of its most valuable effects ; but G-od, 
being appeased by the repentance of Eoboam and the 
princes, who humbled themselves and acknowledged 
the justice of their punishment on the reproach made 
them by Semeias, the prophet, did not suffer Sesac 
utterly to destroy Jerusalem. (2 Par. xii.) 

Hoiv long did Rohoam reign ? 
Seventeen years ; the greater part of which he spent 
in wars. He died at the age of fifty-eight. 

Who succeeded Rohoam f 
His son Abia, who reigned only three years. 

In the beginning of his reign lohat happened f 
In the beginning of his reign, being about to fight 
Jeroboam, who brought against him an army twice 
the number of his, he invoked the assistance of God, 
who gave him a signal victory ; nevertheless, after 
that he sinned, for which he was cut off by God, who 
yet for David's sake permitted his son Asa to suc- 
ceed him. (2 Par. xiii., 3 Kings xv.) 

What teas the character of Asa? 
. He was an excellent and pious king. He destroyed 
all the remains of idolatry, and re-established the 
splendor of divine worship, for which God rewarded 
him by a long and prosperous reign of forty-one 
years, during which he gave him victory over all his 
enemies, the chief of whom was Zara, king of the 
Ethiopians, who brought an army of more than a 
million of men against him. (2 Par. xiv.) 

Of what faults ivas Asa guilty toivards the close of 
his reign f 

Being invaded by Baasa, king of Israel, he, through 
want of confidence in God, called on the king of 
Syria for assistance, for which the prophet Hanani 
reproached him, reminding him of the victory God 
had given him over the more numerous army of the 
Ethiopians. In his last sickness also he placed more 



091 A. C.J SCRIPTUKK HISTOKY. 123 

reliance on the skill of physicians than in the power 
of God. (2 Par. xvi.) 

CHAPTEK XLYIII. 

CONTEMPORARY KINGS OP ISRAEI.. 

What kings reigned in Israel from the time of it% 
ieparation until the close of Asa^s reign, a period of 
sixty-one years ? 
Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasa, Ela, Zamri, and Amri. 

Hoio did Jeroboam act when in possession of the 
Jcingdom of Israel f 

He presently forsook God who had exalted him, 
banished the Levites, and set up idols, for which he 
made priests, sometimes officiated himself, and, by 
the force of his example, led the greater part of the 
nation into idolatry which ultimately caused their 
ruin, and is the reason that his name is always re- 
probated when mentioned in Holy Scripture. (1 
Par. xi.) 

What induced Jeroboam to act so impiously f 
An ambitious, political motive. Fearing that the 
people would resume their allegiance to E-oboam if 
suffered to go to sacrifice in Jerusalem, he set up two 
golden cetlves, one in Dan, the other in Bethel, to 
which he offered sacrifice with solemnities similar to 
those used in Jerusalem, and told the people — " Go 
no more to Jerusalem, behold thy gods, Israel, 
who brought thee out of the land of Egypt." (3 
Kings xii.) 

What occurred the first time that Jeroboam sacri- 
ficed to the calf at Bethel f 

A prophet of Juda, expressly sent by God, cried out 
to the altar : " Behold a child shall be born to the 
house of David, Josias by name, and he shall immo- 
late upon thee the priests of the high places, who 



124 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3005 

now burn incense upon thee, and lie shall burn men's 
bones upon thee, and tbis sball be tbe sign that the 
Lord hath spoken, the altar shall be rent and the 
ashes that are on it shall be poured out. 

When was this prophecy fulfilled f 
About three centuries afterwards by Josias, king of 
Juda. 

What did Jeroboam on that occasion f 
Stretching forth his hand against the prophet, he 
ordered him to be seized ; but his hand immediately 
withering, he was unable to draw it back, and it was 
only at the prophet's prayer that he again received 
the use of it. 

Was Jerohoam converted hy the miracle ? 
No ; he persevered in idolatry for which Ahias the 
prophet, who had foretold his exaltation to the throne, 
prophesied that his entire family should be exter- 
minated, which was fulfilled about a year after his 
death, in the reign of his son Nadab. Jeroboam 
reigned twenty-two years. (3 Kings xiv. and xv.) 

Who succeeded Jerohoam ? 
His son Nadab, who reigned little more than a year, 
when he was killed by Baasa, who usurped the 
throne and exterminated the family of Jeroboam, as 
predicted by the prophet Ahias. Baasa reigned 
twenty-four years. 

Who succeeded Baasa ? 
His son Ela, who reigned about two years, when hg 
and all the family of Baasa were killed by Zamri, 
captain of the horse, who committed suicide after » 
reign of only seven days, fearing to fall into th^ 
power of Amri, general of the army, whom the 
Israelites elected king. 

How long did Amri reign f 
Twelve years, four of which were contested by % 
competitor named Thebni. Amri built tne city Oi 
Samaria. 



930 A. C] SCRIPTURI2: HISTORY. 125 

CHAPTEE XLIX. 

KINGS OF JUDA, JOSOPHAT, JORAM, OCHOZIAS, ANB JOAS. 

Who succeeded Asa in the kingdom of Juda f 
His son Josophat, who, like his father, was a pious 
good king. God rewarded him with a twenty -fiya 
years' reign of great glory and magnificence, and 
enabled him to overcome all his enemies. On one 
occasion when the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammon- 
ites combined against him, he and all the people 
prostrated themselves before Grod^ who told them by 
the mouth of a prophet to go out confidently on the 
morrow and they should see that he would fight for 
them. Accordingly the next day, the enemies rising 
from their several ambuscades attacked and slew 
each other, on which Josophat and his people carried 
off the spoils and returned with joy and thanksgiving 
to Jerusalem. 

Who succeeded the good hing Josophat in the 
hingdom of Juda f 

His eldest son Joram, at the age of thirty-two ; he 
was a wicked, idolatrous king, and married Athalia, 
daughter to Achab, the impious king of Israel, who 
inherited her father's impiety. 

What did Joram do f 
He slew all his brethren and introduced idolatry, for 
which Grod commissioned Elias to foretell him the 
punishment decreed for him, a painful, lingering dis- 
temper, of which he died, after a troubled reign of 
eight years. He was buried in the city of David, 
but without honor, and not in the sepulchres of the 
kings. (2 Par. xxi.) 

Who succeeded the impious Joram in the hingdom 
of Juda f 
His youngest and only surviving son Ochozias, at 



126 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 310<l. 

the age of twenty- two ; all the rest being killed ia 
an incursion of the Arabians. (4 Kings viii. 26 ; 
2 Par. xxii.) 

IIoio long did OcJwzias reign f 

. Only one year ; on his way to visit his kinsman^ 

Joram, son of Achab, king of Israel, hd and all whd 

attended him were slain by Jehu, who was at that 

ime extirpating the house of Achab. (2 Par. xxii.) 

What icas the character of Ochozias. 
He was idolatrous and wicked like the house of 
Achab, being urged on by his mother Athalia. 

HoiD did Athalia act ichen Ochozias teas slain ? 
Having killed all the royal family except Joas, the 
infant son of Ochozias, whom Josabeth, sister to 
Ochozias and wife to Joida, the High Priest, hid in 
the Temple, she made herself queen and reigned with 
uncontrolled sway nearly seven years, when Joida 
assembled the princes and people, presented Joas to 
them as their king, and had Athalia put to death. 
(2 Par. xxii. and xxiii.) 

What was the character of Joas f 
As long as Joida lived he was pious and zealous in 
the service of God, but on the death of the venerable 
High Priest, he chose evil counsellors and with them 
fell into idolatry. (2 Par. xxiv.) 

How old luas Joida the High Priest lohen he died? 
One hundred and thirty years, and on account of the 
great services he had rendered the kingdom he was 
buried in the sepulchres of the kings. 

What ungrateful and vnched act was Joas guilty 
of soon after the death of Joida f 
He caused Zacharias, the son of Joida, to be stoned 
in the court of the Temple,, because he had admon- 
ished him of his sin in forsaking the service of God 
for that of idols. (2 Par. xxiv.) 

How did Joas end his life f 
He was murdered by two of his servants after a 



839 A. C.J hCRlPTURE HISTOHf. 127 

reign of forty years, the latter part of which was 
troubled ; for God perruitted him to be harassed by 
the Assyrians from the time he forsook his service. 
Joas, like his grand-father, Joram, was not buried in 
the sepulchres of the kings. 

CHAPTER L. 

CONTEMPORARY KINGS OF ISRAEL. 

What kings reigned in Israel during the eighty 
years included from Josophat^s ascending the throne 
to the end of the reign of Joas ? 
Achab, Ochozias, Joram, Jehu, and Joachaz. 

Whom did Achah succeed in the throne of Israeli 
His father Amri ; he married a wicked worn, an named 
Jezabel, and more impious than his predecessors, 
added the worship of Baal to his other crimes. 

For lohat unjust and cruel act of Achah and Jeza- 
bel did God decree the extirjKction of the family ? 
Achab, wishing to enlarge his garden, was anxious 
to procure a vineyard that immediately adjoined, but 
Naboth, to whom it belonged, would by no means 
part with his inheritance, which so annoyed Achab 
that he refused to taste food. 

What did Jezahel do f 
Jezabel, understanding the cause, determined to 
gratify him though at the expense of conscience £nd 
justice ; and sending to the chief men and judges, 
commanded them to suborn false witnesses against 
Naboth and have him executed, which was accord- 
ingly done. 

What sentence did Elias lyronounce ? 
Achab having gone to take possession of the vine* 
yard, G od sent Elias to pronounce this sentence : 
" That in the place where the dogs had licked Na- 
both's blood, they should also lick his, that his race 



128 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 307U. 

should be utterly extirpated, and Jezabel devoured 
bj dogs. 

Was that sentence immediately executed? 
Ng ; for Achab bumbled himself before Grod, who, 
in consequence^ deferred the execution of the sen- 
tence until after his death, which happened in battle 
about two years after, when his chariot being brought; 
to tlie pool of Samaria to be washed, his blood was 
licked by the dogs in the same place that they had lick- 
ed Naboth's. Jezabel survived about thirteen years 
when, by the orders of Jehu, she was thrown from a 
window, and was devoured by dogs in the place 
where she fell ; the remainder of the prophecy was 
accomplished by Jehu. (4 Kings x.) 

How long did Achah reign f 
Twenty-two years. 

Who succeeded Achah ? 
His son Ochozias, who died from the effects of a fall 
after a reign of two years, and was succeeded by his 
brother Joram, who reigned twelve years, and was 
killed by Jehu, who exterminated the house of Achab 
and killed Jezabel. 

Did Jehu ascend the throne when he exterminated 
the house of Achab ? 

He did, and reigned twenty-eight years. For the 
zeal he evinced in extirpating the worship of Baal, 
God promised that his children^ to the fourth gene- 
ration, should fill the throne of Israel ; his son Joa 
chaz succeeded him and reigned seventeen years 
(4 Kings xiii.) 

CHAPTEE LI. 

THE PROPHETS. ELIAS AND ELISEUS. 

Wha^. great prophets flourished in Israel during 
the above-named eighty years f 
Elias and his disciple Eliseus ', the former was con- 



839 A. C.J SCIlIPTUKl!i HlSTORr. 129 

temporary with Josophat and Achab, and was taken 
up into heaven in the reign of Jorani ; the latter 
lived until the beginning of the reign of Joas, son 
of Joachez, and grandson to Jehu. 

How did Eli as act when Jie saw that Israel was 
overrun with idolatry ^ promoted and sanctioned hy 
Achab and Jezahel ? 

By his prayers he prevented rain from falling for 
three years, which caused a famine, during which he 
was at first miraculously fed by ravens that carried 
him food morning and evening, and afterwards by a 
poor widow who lived in Sarephta. (3 Kings xvii.) 

How was the poor widow employed when Elias 
was sent to her hy God f 

Collecting a few sticks to cook what she believed 
would be the last meal for herself and son, for she 
had only a little meal and some oil in a cruse, which 
she nevertheless shared with the prophet ; and from 
that day until the famine left the land neither the 
meal nor oil lessened. 

What miracle did Elias perform whilst in the 
widow's house? 
He restored her son to life by his prayers. 

What miracle did Elias perform to prove that 
there is only one true God, whom he served, and that 
Baal and the others were false gods f 
lie requested Achab to assemble the people at Mount 
Carmel, and to send for the prophets of Baal, 456 in 
Clumber ; then desiring to have two bullocks brought, 
he proposed to the prophets of Baal to choose one, 
whilst he, the only prophet present of the true God, 
took the other; and addressing the people, he im- 
plored them no longer to hesitate between the wor- 
ship of Grod and Baal, but to serve him who should 
prove himself God by sending fire from heaven to 
consume the victim. 

Did the people assent to this ? 



180 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3070, 

Fes, they all readily assented to the proposal, and 
the prophets of Baal called in vain on their god 
from morning until noon, whilst Elias rallied them, 
desiring them to call louder, as their god was, per- 
haps, on a journey, or at an inn, or asleep. 

When the time arrived^ what did Elias do? 
He called the people to assist in building up the altar 
to God, on which he laid the victim, and ordered a 
quantity of water to be poured over it, until the 
trench round the altar was filled ; then calling on 
God to manifest his power and let the people see that 
he alone is God, fire fell from heaven, which imme- 
diately consumed, not only the holocaust, but the 
altar and water, at which the people fell on their 
faces and adored. Then, by command of Elias, they 
put all the false prophets to death, and God sent a 
plentiful supply of rain. (3 Kings xviii.) 

Whither did Elias flee to avoid the vengeance of 
Jezahely who, in revenge for the death of her prophets^ 
had resolved on his death ? 

To Mount Horeb, by the direction of an angel, who 
gave him food, in the strength of which he walked 
forty days and forty nights across the desert, until he 
reached Horeb. 

What do the holy Fathers say of this part of the 
life of Elias f 

That the sudden vicissitude he experienced from 
courage to timidity, demonstrates the inconsistency 
and weakness of the human heart, when not sup 
ported by ^rength from above ; and the food given 
him by the angel they consider emblematic of the 
Blesssd Eucharist which nourishes our souls, im- 
pai-cing strength and vigor to them during our moral 
pilgrimage. 

In what manner was Elias talcen up into Heaven ? 
Having with his disciple Eliseus crossed the east 
side of the Jordan, through which he miraculously 



839 A. C.J SCRIPTURK Hlb^TOR-i:. 131 

made a passage by striking the water with his cloak, 
he was suddenly separated from Eliseus by a fiery 
chariot, and fiery horses, and carried up to heaven; 
when going up his cloak fell, which his disciple 
took, and with it made himself a passage across 
the Jordan as Elias had done. ElLseus inherited 
lae double spirit of prophecy and miracles possessed 
r^j Elias. 



CHAPTER LII. 

What loas the first use U Use us made of Ms gift 
of miracles when he recrossed the Jordan ? 
At the request of the inhabitants he cured the waters 
of Jericho, which were very bad, and removed the 
barrenness of the land. 

Relate some other miracles wrought hy Eliseus ? 
He procured a supply of water to refresh the united 
armies of Juda, Israel, and Edom, in a war with the 
Moabites, who had revolted, and whose overthrow 
was effected according to his prediction. 

What ivas his second miracle f 
He relieved the widow of one of the prophets by 
miraculously increasing her little store of oil. This 
poor woman was in debt, which she had no means of 
paying. Her creditor was urgent, and threatened 
to seize her sons. In her distress, she had recourse 
to Eliseus, whose pity she excited ; when, on inqui- 
ry, he discovered that her only possession was a 
little oil, he desired her to borrow a number of empty 
vessels and pour the oil into them. She obeyed, 
and filled so many vessels with it, that she was en- 
abled to pay her creditor and support the family. 

What was the third miracle f 
He restored to life the son of a devout woman, wh« 
had often received him into her house. 



132 CATECHISM VIP LA. M. 3070 

What icas ilie fourth miracle ? 
During a famine he multiplied food for a great num- 
ber who resorted to him. 

What luas the next miracle f 
He restored to perfect health Naaman, general of the 
Syrian army, who was afflicted with leprosy, and 
transferred the leprosy to his own servant Giezi, 
who, through covetousness, had obtained money and 
raiment from Naaman in the prophet's name. 

What remarkable punishment did God inflict on 
some wicked hoys icho mocked the servant of God, 
calling him ^^ Bald head, f^ 

Two bears came out of the wood, and killed forty- 
two of them. 

Was EliseU'S gifted with the spirit of prophecy f 
Yes, of which there are some instances related. 
First, when the Syrians, intending to invade Israel, 
made many attempts, and formed several ambus- 
cades, of which Eliseus constantly informed the 
king of Israel, thus enabling him to counteract the 
enemy, who were at length obliged to withdraw. 

Can you relate another instance f 
Some time after, when the Syrians besieged Samaria, 
Joram blindly imagining that the holy proj)het waa 
instrumental to the great sufferings of the besieged, 
which were occasioned principally by famine, sent a 
man before, whom he followed immediately, with a 
determination to behead the prophet. Eliseus fore- 
saw and prevented their evil design ; and at the 
same time comforted the king, assuring him that by 
that hour next day there would be such an abun- 
dance of pro\dsions, that a bushel of fine flour would 
be sold in the gate of Samaria for a stater, and two 
bushels of barley for the same price. (4 Kings vL 
and vii.) 

In vjhat manner was that prophecy fulfilled ? 
Four lepers, who were at the gate of Samaria, being 



849 A. C.J SCRIPTURE HISTDRY. 133 

pressed by famine, and thinking they might as well 
run the risk of being killed, as to die • of want, re- 
solved to go to the camp of the Syrians. On their 
arrival, they were surprised to see no one, and at 
first thought only of satisfying their hunger, and 
possessing themselves of the wealth which surround- 
ed them ; but after some time, reflecting that they 
ought to make their fellow-citizens partakers of their 
own good fortune, they returned to the city, and 
announced that the Syrians had deserted their camp. 

What did the king do f 
The king received this news warily, and fearing that 
it was an artifice of the enemy, sent messengers to 
discover the truth. They confirmed the statement, 
and found the roads covered with valuables which 
the Syrians had cast away in their flight ; for Glod 
had struck them with a panic, and made them think 
that they heard a great army approaching. In 
their terror, they fled, leaving all they possessed 
after them. The spoils were brought into Samaria 
next day, and caused the abundance foretold by the 
prophet. 

Was any one punished for incredulity on that oc- 
casion f 

Tes, a nobleman, who was present with the king 
when Eliseus predicted the great plenty, and said, 
doubtingly, " Could that be, if God made flood- 
gates in heaven ?" Eliseus replied that he should 
see, but not partake of the blessing ; and the next 
day, having been intrusted by the king with the 
charge of the gate, he was crushed to death by the 
multitude. 

What great person visited Eliesus when in his 
last sickness f 

Joas, son of Joachaz, and grandson of Jehu, king 
of Israel, who having testified great affliction for 
losing him whom he revered as his father and guide 
12 



134 CATKCHISM OF [A. M. 307O 

was comforted by Eliseiis with the assurance that he 
would be victorious over the Syrians in three differ^ 
cnt engagements. (4 Kings xiii.) 

Were the relics of Eliseus instrumental in per* 
forming any miracle? 

Yes ; a dead man who was being conveyed to the 
grave by his friends was thrown by them into the 
sepulchre of Eliseus in a panic caused by a sudden 
incursion of the Moabites ; arud he no sooner came 
into contact with the bones of the holy prophet than * 
he was restored to life. 

CHAPTEE LIU. 

KINGS OF JUDA, AMASIAS AND AZARIAS. 

Who succeeded Joas in the Mngdom of Juda f 
His son Amasias, at the age of twenty-five. He was 
successful in all his undertakings whilst he con- 
tinued to serve God, but growing proud of his suc- 
cess, he foolishly worshipped the idols of the very 
nations which God had enabled him to conquer. 
And when in the pride of his heart, he challenged 
and fought with Joas, king of Israel. He was 
utterly defeated and led back to Jerusalem by that 
king, who broke down a considerable part of the 
walls, and carried away the treasures of the Temple. 
Amasias survived this defeat about fifteen years. 
He was killed in a conspiracy after a reign of twenty- 
nine years. (2 Par. xxv.) 

Who succeeded Amasias ? 
His son Azarias, sometimes called Ozias, then six* 
teen years of age ; he reigned fifty-two years, during 
which he fortified Jerusalem, built several cities, and 
was successful in all his wars and undertakings whilst 
he was faithful to God. 

How did he offend God and what was his pun 
ishnient ? 



g49 A. C] SCKU'TL-Kli; HISTOKY. 135 

Being elated with prosperity, lie assumed an office to 
which he was not called ; he presumed to offer in- 
cense in the Temple, notwithstanding the remon- 
strances of the High Priest ; God therefore struck 
him with a leprosy, from which he never recovered, 
and he was obliged to live alone for the remainder 
of his life. (2 Par. xxvi.) 

CHAPTEK LIV. 

CONTEMPORARY KINGS OF ISRAEL. 

What hings reigned in Israel whilst AmasiaS and 
Azarias reigned in Juda, (a space of eighty-one 
years) f 

Joas, Jeroboam IT., Zacharias, Sellum, Manahem, 
and Phaceia. 

To ivhom did Joas succeed f 
His father, Joachaz ; he reigned sixteen years, and 
defeated the Syrians in three engagements, as pre- 
dicted by Eliseus, leaving the kingdom in peace to 
his son Jeroboam. 

How long did Jeroboam II. reign f 
Forty-one years ; he was valiant, but like those who 
preceded him, an idolator — (in his reign Jonas pro- 
phecied) ; — he was succeeded by his son Zacharias, 
after an interregnum of eleven years. 

Hoio long did Zacharias reign ? 
Only six months, when he was killed by Sellum, and 
thus ended the race of Jehu, to whom Grod had 
promised that his children to the fourth generation 
should reign in Israel. 

Hoio long did Sellum enjoy his newly -acquired 
dignity f 

One month, when he was killed by Manahem, who 
reigned ten years, and was succeeded by his son 
Phaceia, who was killed, after a reign of two years, 
by Phacee. (4 Kings xv.) 



136 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3in. 

CHAPTEK LV. 

THE PaOPHET JONAS 

Who teas Jonas f 
Jonas was son to Aujathi, the prophet, a native 
of Geth Opher, in Galilee, and prophesied in thd 
reign of Jeroboam IT. 

What is related of Mm ? 
Having been commissioned by God to preach to 
Ninive and to threaten it with destruction, on ac- 
count of its crimes, he was unwilling to undea-take 
the mission, and endeavored to fly from the face of 
God by sailing to Tharsis ; but the ship had scarcely 
got to sea when God sent a tempest which endan- 
gered its safety. 

What is said of the crew f 
The crew, in great alarm, cast lots to discover which 
of them excited the anger of God, and the lot fall- 
ing on Jonas, he acknowledged his fault, and desired 
them to throw him into the sea. They were unwill- 
ing to do so, and exerted themselves to reach the 
land by rowing, but found it impossible to succeed ; 
and perceiving their danger every moment increas- 
ing, they threw him overboard, on which the sea 
immediately became calm. 

W hat did God cause ? 
God, whose design was mercy, not destruction, caused 
Jonas to be swallowed up by a great fish^ in which 
he remained for three days and three nights, during 
which he humbly and earnestly called on God, who 
graciously heard his prayer, and commanded the fish 
to cast him on shore. 

What did the Lord renew and ich at followed f 
The Lord then renewed his command, and Jonas no 
longer disobedient, went to Ninive. Having entered 
one day's jom-ney into the city, and announced the 



769 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 137 

impending judgments of God, all the people, from 
the king to the meanest, repented, and did penance 
in fasting and in sackcloth, on which Almighty Grod, 
who only desired their repentance, forgave them. 

What is related of Jonas and the ivy f 
eTonas fearing that he might pass for a false prophet, 
was angry at the clemency of God, and left the city. 
He sat at some distance, when God caused an ivy to 
grow up and shade him, to the great joy of Jonas, 
who was fatigued and oppressed by the heat of the 
fc^un. God was willing to instruct his people, and 
caused a worm to settle in the ivy, which on the fol- 
lowing day destroyed it, leaving Jonas exposed to the 
heat, at which, when he complained^ God expostula- 
ted with him for grieving at the loss of that which 
he had not reared, and which was the growth of only 
a day ; adding, " Shall not I then spare Ninive, that 
great city in which are a hundred and twenty thou- 
sand, who know not how to distinguish between their 
right hand and their left." 

Of what teas Jonas^s imprisonment in the whale 
and his miraculous coming forth alive after three 
days a figure 9 

Of the burial and glorious resurrection of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. (Matt. xii. 40.) 

CHAPTEK LYI. 

KINGS OF JUDA JOATHAN, ACHZ, EZECHIAS. 

Who succeeded Azarias, (or Ozias/) king of Jucta f 
His son Joathan, at the age of twenty-five, a good 
and pious king. He reigned sixteen years, during 
which ne ornamented the Temple, built several cities, 
and made ihe Ammonites tributary. (2 Par. xxvii.) 

Who succeeded Joathan f 
His son Achaz, at the age of twenty, who also reigned 
12* 



138 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3231. 

sixteen years. He was an impious, idolatrous king 
He removed the sacred vessels, shut up the Temple, 
and built altars to idols in several parts of Jerusalem. 
For his great impiety, God permitted him to be 
grievously harassed by the kings of Israel, Syria, and 
Assyria, though he sought to make the latter his ally 
by great presents. (2 Par. xxviii.) 

WJio succeeded AcJiaz in the throne of Juda 9 
His son Ezechias, at the age of twenty-five, who, on 
coming to the throne endeavored to plant true virtue 
and religion where impiety and superstition had 
flourished. He re-opened the Temple, caused it to 
be purified, and invited all Israel to celebrate the 
Pasch. Many Israelites accepted the invitntion, 
though the greater number derided the piety of the 
king ; but all Juda were faithful, and the Pasch 
was celebrated with greater solemnity and magnifi- 
cence than it had been from the time of Solomon. 

What did he assemble and re-estaUish f 
Ezechias assembled the priests and Levites, who were 
dispersed, and re-established the primitive order and 
observances of divine worship. Having performed 
the duty he owed to God, the good king next turned 
his attention to the happiness and security of his 
subjects and the independence of his dominions. 
^Yith the assistance of God strengthening him in all 
iiis undertakings, he recovered the cities that had 
been taken from Juda, and shook ofi" the Assyrii*< 
yoke, which was imposed in the reign of Achaz. 

CHAPTER LYII. 

CONTEMPORARY KINGS OF ISRAEL TO THE ASSYRIAU 
' CAPTIVITY. 

What Idngs reigned in Israel from ^lie first year 
of the reign of Joaihan to the sixth of Ezechias f 
Phacee and Osee. Phacee reigned twenty years. 



769 A. Cj SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 139 

During his reign, loliat happened? 
During his reign, Theglathphalasar, king of Assyria, 
invaded Israel, and carried away a great number of 
captives. 

What ivas the fate of Phacee ? 
Pl-.acee was killed by Osee, who, after an interiegnum 
01 nine years, came to the throne and reigned nine 
years, the first three of which he was contemporary 
vdth Achaz, king of Juda, (4 Kings xviL,) and the 
last six with Ezechias. 

What is related of Osee ? 
Tn a fruitless attempt to free himself from a tribut(^ 
he had undertaken to pay to the Assyrians, he lost 
the kingdom, for Salmanasar invaded it, and took 
Samaria after a siege of three years, abolished the 
kingdom of Israel, and led the people into captivity. 
(4 Kings xvii.) 

Where did Salmanasar locate the captives? 
He placed some in Ninive, others he scattered 
through Media. 

How did Sdlmanasar re-people the land of Israel ? 
He sent thither people from Babylon, Cutha, and 
other places, who being on their arrival grievously 
harassed by wild beasts, he sent them, by the advice 
of his counsellors, a priest to instruct them in th 
worship of God. but they united the worship of th^ 
true Grod with that of their idols, their descendant*, 
continued the worship of both, and this was the rea- 
eon why the Jews would not communicate with them 

How long did the kingdom of Israel last ? 
Two hundred and sixty years, from the time of ikt 
separation from Juda by the impious Jeroboam untU 
the Assyrian captivity in the ninth year of Osee. 

What teas the characteristic sin of all the kingSf, 
and of the generality/ of the people of Israel ? 
Idolatry, to which they were always prone, but which 
from the time of Jeroboam they openly professed and 



;40 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 5231. 

almost unanimously practised ; therefore God deliv- 
ered tliem into the power of their enemies, and cast 
ihem out of the land of their inheritance. He had 
repeatedly, but ineffectually warned them ; and more 
than a century before the destruction of Israel, there 
could be counted only seven thousand faithful ser- 
vants of God in all the kingdom. (3 Kings xix. 18.) 



CHAPTER LYIII. 

PROPHETS. 

What prophets lived from the reign of Amasias, 
king of Juda and Jerohoam II., hing of Israel, to 
ike captivity of Israel, a space of one hundred years ? 
Jonas, Amos, Osee, Isaias, Micheas, Joel, and Ab- 
dias. Jonas, Amos, and Osee, began to prophesy in 
Israel, whilst Jeroboam II. reigned. (4 Kings xiv. 
25, Amos i. 1, Osee i. 1.) Osee and Lnias continued 
to prophesy for nearly a century, the foimer in Is- 
rael, the latter in Juda. 

When did Isaias hegin to prophesy ? 
Isaias began to prophesy in the reign of Aza n^s, and 
continued until the reign of Manasses, when, record- 
ing to the Hebrew tradition, he suffered martyrdom 
by being sawed asunder, in the persecution which 
was raised by that wicked king. 

Where did Micheas hegin f 
Micheas began in Juda, in the reign of Joathan, 
and continued until the reign of Ezechias. (Micheas 

i. 1.) 

What is supposed concerning Joel and Ahdias ? 
Joel and Abdias, the former of Juda, the latter of 
Israel, are supposed to have been contemporary with 
the above-mentioned. Both most pathetically ex 
horted the people, and threatened them with th* 
impending judgments of God. 



769 A. C.J SCKIFTUKE HlSTORr. 141 

Of tohai did Isaias prophesy f 
Besides some matters of minor importance, he fore- 
told the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity; ana 
described the coming, life, and passion of our Lord 
Jesus Christ with such precision that his prophecy 
appears more like a history of past transactions, than 
the foretelling of events of future and distant ages. 

Were any faithful servants of God to he found in 
Israel at the time of the captivity f 
There were several, one in particular named Tobias, 
whose historj^ has been preserved, was distinguished 
for his piety to God and charity to his neighbor. 



CHAPTER LIX. 

HISTORY OF TOBIAS. HIS VIRTUES AND AfELICTIONS. 

Who was Tobias ? 
Tobias was a good and holy man of the tribe of 
Nephtali, who, notwithstanding the bad example of 
those who surrounded him, never adored the golden 
calves set up by Jeroboam, but was faithful to God 
from his youth, and went regularly to Jerusalem to 
sacrifice. 

What is said of his loife and son ? 
His wife, named Anna was of the same tribe^ and 
his son, an only child called also Tobias, was most 
Earefully instructed by him in the law of God. 

What loas related of Tobias at Ninive .^ 
When Salmanasar led Israel into captivity, Tobias 
was taken with the rest ; but even in JSTinive he 
continued equally faithful to God, and observant of 
his law as far as his state permitted, for which God 
gave him favor in the sight of the king, who not 
only allowed him to go from one city to another, but 
bestowed money on him, which enabled him to relieve 
the wants of his brethren. On one occasion having 



142 CATfiOttl^M or [A.M. 3231, 

gone to Rages, a city of Media, ho naw one of his 
kindred named Gabelus, in distress, and lent him all 
he had with him, amounting to ten talents of silver, 
for which he took Gabelus' acknowledgment in 
writing. 

On the death of Scdmanasar, what is said of 
Tobias? 

On the death of Salmanasar, TobiaH' fortune changed, 
for Senecharib who succeeded his father in the em- 
pire, persecuted the Israelites, especially after hia 
return from an unsuccessful attack on the liingdom 
of Juda ; and Tobias, from the charity he evinced 
towards his brethren, became an object of his special 
hatred ; he confiscated his property, and would have 
taken his life, had he not fled and remained con- 
cealed until the tyrant's death ; but no sooner was 
ih.Q immediate danger over than Tobias resumed 
his charitable labors, though remonstrated with by 
his friends, who feared for his safety. 

Can you relate an instance of his great zeal in 
hurying the dead? 

Yes ; on one occasion in the midst of an entertain- 
ment he had made for several of his tribe, he heard, 
as he was sitting down to dinner, that an Israelite 
lay dead in the street, and immediately going out 
sought the body and concealed it in his house until 
night when he buried it. 

What misfortune hajjpened to him? 
One day being more than usually tired from his 
pious Jabors, he lay down to rest near a wall in which 
was a swallow's nest, and fell asleep, during which 
droppings from the nest falling on his eyes blinded 
him. This trial was permitted by God that posteri- 
ty might have an example of patience in him as well 
as in holy Job ; like that patriarch he too was re- 
viled by his friends^ who asked to what end he had 
performed so many works of mercy, since God per- 



769 A. U.J SClilPTUKE HISTOKY. 143 

mitted so great an affliction to befall him. But 
Tobias was as faithful in adversity as he had been in 
prosperity, and God having tried his servant for a 
little time abundantly rewarded him. 

When he thought himself near his death, wnat did 
he do? 

When Tobias thought himself near death he gave 
his son advice as to his future conduct, informed him 
of the money he had lent to Gabelus, and desired 
him to procure a guide to conduct him to Rages in 
order to receive it. The obedient son promised to 
abide by his father's instructions and went to seek a 
guide, whom God, mindful of the charity of old 
Tobias, and his patience in affliction, gave him in the 
angel Raphael, who, under the name and form of 
Azarias, undertook to conduct him to Rages, and 
bring him back safely to his father, whom he com- 
forted by assuring him that his cure was at hand. 

CHAPTER LX. 

THE YOUNG TOBIAS IS CONDUCTED BY AN ANGEL. HIS 

MARRIAGE AND RETURN TO mS FATHER. 

When Tobias reached the river Tigris^ lohat hap- 
pened to him f 

Accompanied by his heavenly guide, the young 
Tobias set out on his journey ; on the first night he 
reached the river Tigris, where going to bathe he was 
terrified by a monstrous fish that seemed ready to de- 
vour him, on which he cried out to his guide, who de- 
sired him to take hold of it and draw it ashore ; he 
obeyed, and by the angel's direction kept the heart, 
liver and gall as useful medicines ; then cooked part 
of the fish and salted the rest as provision for their 
journey. 

When he arrived at Rages^ lohat took place ? 



144 CATECHISM OS [A. M. 3231, 

When they arrived at Eages (not the place of their 
destination, but a town of the same name) the angel 
said they would lodge at the house of Eaguel, a kins- 
man of Tobias, a wealthy citizen, whose only daugh- 
ter, named Sarah, he should demand in marriage. 
Tobias was startled at the proposal, as he knew that 
she had been given already to seven husbands, who 
were all killed on the day of their marriage, througli 
the malice of the evil spirit, and he feared that if 
the same thing happened to himself his parents 
might die of grief ; but the angel calmed his fears, 
and instructed him how to sanctify his marriage. 

On entering the house, what did Raguel remark f 
On entering the house Raguel remarked the likeness 
that the young man bore to his kinsman Tobias, and 
being informed by the angel that he was his son, he 
received him with joy and prepared a feast for him, 
of which however, Tobias refused to partake until 
Raguel had promised him his daughter Sarah in 
marriage. 

What did Raguel at first do ? 
Raguel at first 'hesitated on account of the sudden 
death of her former husbands ; but the angel having 
removed his fears, he consented and gave half his 
property with her, settling the remainder on Tobias 
at his death. When the marriage was agreed to, 
the old people so earnestly begged Tobias to remain 
with them for a fortnight that he could not refuse, 
but unwilling to cause anxiety to his parents by the 
least unnecessary delay, he requested his guide to, 
go to G-abelus and receive the money ; the angel 
did so, and brought Gabelus with him to the feast, 
who rejoiced at the prosperity of his friend's son, 
and gratefully returned what had been lent him. 

When the fortnight had elapsed, what did Tchiait 

JLof 

tV'hen the fortnight had elapsed, Tobias prepared to 



769 A C] SCRIPTUKK mSTOKY 145 

return to his parents with his wife and property ; on 
reaching Charan, which was about half way, the angel 
reminded him of the state in which he had left his 
father, and recommended him to hasten with himself 
on before, and let his wife and family journey by 
easy stages; the advice pleased Tobias, and they 
frere still at a distance when they were descried by 
A^nna, who, in anxiety for her son, used to go every 
day to the top of the hill to watch his coming. 

What did she do f 
She immediately announced his approach to his aged 
father, who, through joy, ran stumbling to meet him, 
and his son by the angel's direction anointed his eyes 
with the gall of the fish, by which his sight was re- 
stored to his own inexpressible joy and that of all 
his neighbors, who united with him in returning 
thanks to G^od, 

CHAPTER LXI. 

DEATH OF TOBIAS. 

What did Tobias do on his return? 
Seven days after the return of Tobias, his wife and 
family arrived. In the meantime, he recounted to 
his father the many favors the guide had done him, 
and both agreed that half their property would be an 
inadequate recompense, which, however, they begged 
him to accept. 

What did the angel reply ? 
The angel replied, "Bless ye the Lord of heaven, 
give glory to him in the sight of all that live, because 
he hath shown his mercy to you ; for it is good to . 
hide the secret of a king; but honorable to reveal 
and confess the works of God. Prayer is good with 
fasting and alms more than to lay up treasures of 

gold I discover then the truth to you, and I will 

not hide the secret from you. When thou didst pray 
13 



146 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 8231. 

with tears, and didst bury the dead, and didst leave 
thy dinner, and hide the dead by day in thy house, 
and bury them by night, I offered thy prayer to the 
Lord. And because thou wast acceptable to God, it 
was necessary that temptation should prove thee 
and now the Lord hath sent me to heal thee, and to 
deliver Sarah, thy son's wife, from the devil ; for I 
am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand 
before the Lord." 

On lieo^ring thisy toJiat did Tobias and his son do ? 
On hearing this, Tobias and his son fell prostrate on 
the ground; but the angel encouraged them, and 
desired them not to fear, but to bless God., and pub- 
lish all his wonderful works, saying which, he van- 
ished ; after which, they continued prostrate in prayer 
for three hours, then rising they published the won- 
derful works of God. 

How long did Tobias live after Ms sight teas re- 
stored ? 

Tobias lived forty-two years after his sight was re- 
stored, and terminated a long and holy life by a happy 
death, having foretold the approaching destruction 
of Ninive, and enjoined his son to leave it with his 
children and grandchildren, as soon as he should 
have buried his mother in the same grave with him 

What is said of young Tobias f 
'The younger Tobias punctually obeyed his father's 
commands ; and when he had paid the last dut}' to 
his mother he removed with all his family to the 
house of his father and mother-in-law, to whom he 
performed the part of an affectionate and dutiful son. 
Ho lived to the age of ninety-nine, esteemed and 
♦•espected by all who knew him. 



a SI A. C.J SCRIPTURE Hirf-rORY. 147 

CHAPTEE LXII. 

KINGS OF JUDA, AFTER THE ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITY — -CON- 
TINUATION OF THE REIGN OF EZECHIAS MANASSES. 

What miraculous intervention j)'i^evented Senecha- 
rib (^son of Salmanasar^ from attacking Jerusalem^ 
luhen he invaded the kingdom^ of Juda in the four^ 
tecnth year of the reign of Ezechias f 
Almighty God, moved by the prayer of Ezechias, 
sent an angel into the Assyrian camp, who killed in 
one night 185,000 of the most valiant, including the 
chief officers. This dreadful visitation obliged Sene- 
charib to return to Ninive with the remnant, where 
he was killed by his sons in the temple of his idol. 
(4 Kings xix. 35 ; Tobias i. 24.) 

What great prophet v:as counsellor to Ezechias ? 
The prophet Isaias, who began to prophesy in the 
reign of Azarias, and continued during the reign of 
Joathan, Achaz, and Ezechias. 

What occurred to Ezechias soon after SenechariVs 
invasion f 

He fell dangerously ill, and was desired by Isaias, on 
the part of God, to prepare for death, but he ear- 
nestly and with many tears besought God to prolong 
his life, who graciously heard his prayer, and com- 
manded Isaias to tell him that he had prolonged his 
life for fifteen years ; and as a sign of the fulfilment 
of this promise he, at the prophet's prayer, made 
the shadow go back ten degrees on the sun dial of 
Achaz. 

What imprudent act did Ezechias commit through 
pride f 

He exhibited all his treasures to the ambassadors of 
Berodach Baladin, King of Babylon, who came to 
congratulate him on his recovery ; for which God 
gent Isaias to foretell him that they would be seized 
and carried to Babylon ; but, at the entreaty of Eze- 



14^ CATECniSM OF [A. M. 30G9. 

cliias, the evil did not occur in his days. Ezechias 
reigned twenty-nine j^ears ; six before the captivity 
of Israel and twenty-three after. 

CHAPTER LXIII. 

MANASSES. 

Who succeeded UzecJiias in the throne of Juda f 
His son Manasses, who began to reign when he was 
twelve years old : he reigned fifty-five years and was 
an impious and cruel king, he re-erected the places 
of idolatrous worship which his father had pulled 
down, and carried his wickedness so far as to erect 
altars to idols in and about the Temple, besides which 
he put to death a great number of just persons, 
amongst whom, according to the Hebrew tradifion, 
was the great prophet Isaias, who is said to have been 
sawed in two for reproving him. 

What did God send him f 
God sent him repeated warnings in vain, and at 
length caused him to be carried captive to Babylon, 
where, in his distress he humbly and contritely called 
upon God, who heard him, and restored him to his, 
kingdom. On his return Manasses cast out all the 
idols, and restored the worship of God. (4 Kingsf 
xxi. ; 2 Par. xxxiii.) 

What venerable person was instrumental in saving 
the city of Bethidia and the kingdom of Juda ahoiit 
this time? 

Judith, widow of a wealthy citizen of Bethulia, illustri- 
ous for her piety, mortification, charity, and fortitude. 

CHAPTER LXIY. 

HISTORY OF JUDITH. SIEGE OF BETHULIA. 

What is said of Nebuchodonozer f 
Nebuchodonozer, king of the Assyrians, having de- 
feated the Medes in the twelfth year of his reign, 
formed the ambitious deidgn of subjecting all nations 



731 A. C] SCRirrUKK HISTOKl. 149 

of the earth to his dominion, and of making them 
adore him as their god, for which he gave directions 
to Holofernes, his general, not only to subdue the 
people, but to destroy their temples, idols and groves 

What did the Jews determine f 
Many kingdoms submitted, being unable to oppose 
the immense army he sent against them ; but the 
Jews, encouraged by the exhortations of the High 
Priest, determined to defend the Temple. To pre- 
vent access to Jerusalem, they took possession of the 
mountain passes, and fortified all theii cowns, at the 
same time humbling themselves in fasting and prayer 
before God. 

In the meantimey ivTiat did Holofernes do f 
In the meantime, Holofernes, with his almost count- 
less host, approached Judea, expecting the same 
submission he had received from the neighboring 
kingdoms; but his surprise and indignation were 
excessive, when he found them prepared to resist, and 
Bethulia, a town in the mountains, in a state of de- 
fence. 

What did he inquire f 
Assembling the officers of the Moabites and Ammon- 
ites, who, amongst others, had come to surrender, he 
haughtily inquired who these people were, and in 
what they trusted to oppose his hitherto invincible 
army. 

What did Achior relate and conclude ? 
Achior, general of the Ammonites, related what lie 
knew of the Jewisn nation, the miracles God had 
wrought at different times for their defence or pre- 
servation, and concluded by advising Holofernes to- 
inquire before attacking them whether they were 
guilty of any impiety, for in that case only could he 
succeed against them : but if they were not, their 
God would surely defend them, and make him and 
his army a reproach to the whole earth. 
13* 



150 CATECHISM Of [A. M. 3292 

WJiat did Holof ernes do ? 
At these words, Holofernes and his cs^^tains were 
highly incensed and causing Achior to be bound, sent 
him to Bethulia to await his doom with the inhabi- 
tants of the place, not doubting that they would soon 
be masters of it. 

What is said of the Bethulians f 
The Bethulians, understanding the caus.e of his being 
sent to them, comforted him with the hope of seeing 
Bethulia triumph over the pride of Holofernes, and 
having refreshed him, passed the whole night in 
prayer, imploring God to take compassion on their 
low condition, and to humble the pride of their adver- 
saries^ who trusted in their numbers and strength. 

What followed? 
JS'ext morning, Plolofernes gave orders to att<ack the 
town, but seeing the determination of the inhabitants, 
he resolved to starve them into submission, and ac- 
cordingly cut off their aqueduct, and placed guards 
at the springs, which reduced them to such distress 
that at the end of twenty days, they tumultuously 
called on Ozias, the governor, to surrender, declaring 
that they would rather die by the sword than await 
the lingering death which appeared prepared for 
them. Ozias endeavored to console and encourage 
them, but at length promised to comply, if they wer6 
not relieved within five days. 

What is related of Judith ? 
Judith, the widow of a wealthy citizen, who, since her 
husband's death, had passed her days in letiremeat, 
prayer, and mortification, hearing what Ozias and the 
ancients had agreed to, expostulated with them for 
their want of confidence, and represented to them that 
they did ill in appointing a time for the mercy of 
God, that the present chastisement was less than their 
sins deserved, and given rather for their amendment 
-than destruction. 



653 A. C] SCrRIfTUKE HISTORY. 151 

How did she exhort the people f 
She exhorted them to encourage the people by a 
remembrance of the miracles God had heretofore 
wrought for their deliverance when in as great dan- 
ger, and begged of them to unite in fervent prayer 
for the success of an undertaking she meditated. 

What did she then do f 
Judith then retired to her oratory. Clothed in hair- 
cloth, with ashes on her head, and prostrated before 
God, she implored the divine assistance, rising with 
renewed confidence in divine help, she put off her 
penitential garb, and arrayed herself in her richest 
ornaments, God adding to her beauty, and making 
her appear incomparably lovely, as her dressing was 
not from vanity but virtue. 

CHAPTEK LXY. 

THE SIEGE RAISED BY THE FORTITUDE OF JUDITH — 
DEATH OF HOLOFERNES. 

What is related of Judith ? 
Attended by her maid, who carried some provisions, 
Judith passed the gate of Bethulia, where Ozias and 
the ancients were, who fervently blessed her under- 
taking. Praying all the way, she descended the hili 
on which the town was built, and towards break of 
day reached the advanced guard of the enemy 

Where did they conduct her ? 
They conducted her to the general, whom she com- 
plimented on the renown he had acquired, and bj 
flattering him, procured a delay of hostilities, with 
permission for herself and maid to go in and out of 
the camp when they pleased, for the space of three 
days. 

How did she use the permission ? 
The use Judith made of this permission was, to go 



152 CATECTinSM OF [A. M. 3347. 

every evening to the neighboring valley, where, after 
bathing, she spent some time in retirement and re- 
collection, humbly begging of God to direct and 
enable her to accomplish the deliverance of his peo- 
ple. Holofernes, charmed with her beauty, grace, 
and wisdom, treated her with great respect, and or- 
dered her to be lodged where his treasures wer^;- 
stored. ^ '": 

On tlie fourth -day I iclmt did he do? 
On the fourth day after her arrival he made a splen- 
did entertainment to which he invited her ; Judith 
accepted the invitation, but such was her respect for 
the least observances prescribed by the law, and her 
holy fear of offending God, that she partook only of 
the food which her maid had brought and prepared 
foi her : circumstanced as she was, alone, in the 
midst of pagan enemies, she professed her faith open- 
ly, and adhered to a religious practice, that many in 
such circumstances would consider themselves more 
than justified in dispensing with. 

Towards the close of the entertainr)ient what hap" 
pened f 

Towards the close of the entertainment, Holofernes, 
who had drank to excess, fell asleep ; all retired by 
degrees, leaving Judith alone, who, immediately 
taking advantage of the opportunity afforded her, 
placed her maid at the door to watch, and praying 
t€ God to strengthen her, cut off the head of Holo- 
fernes with his own sword, and wrappij3g it in his rich 
canopy, gave it to her maid to carry, on which both 
went out of the camp as on the preceding evenings. 

^Yhat is related ichen she dreiv near the city f 
When they drew near the gate of Bethulia, Judith 
called to the watchmen to open, saying : *' God is 
with us, who has shown his power in Israel." On 
hearing her voice they called the ancients, and the 
whole town was in motion to receive her 3 by the 



653 A C.J SCRIPTURE HISTOKY. 153 

light of torches they conducted her to a high place, 
whence, silence being procured, she exhorted them 
to return thanks to Grod for his manifest protection 
in strengthening her to cut off their most powerful 
enemy, and producing the head of Holofernes, di- 
rected them to hang it on their walls, and at sunrise 
to make a vigorous attack on the enemy, who would 
be in confusion at the loss of their general, and so 
be easily dispersed. 

W hat is said of the event ? 
The event verified her prediction ; the Assyrians 
were completely routed, and the Bethulians enriched 
with their spoils, while Achior, convinced that the 
God jf Israel was the true and only God, professed 
himself a Jew. The High Priest, with all the an- 
cients, came from Jerusalem to see and congratulate 
Judith, whom they styled, " The glory of Jerusalem, 
the joy of Israel, and the honor of the people." Far 
from being elated with the praises bestov>^ed on her, 
she gave the glory of the victory to God, to whom 
she consecrated the remainder of her life in prayer, 
mortification, and holy retirement. The invasion by 
Holofernes is supposed to have occurred in the reign 
of Manasses. 

CHAPTER. LXYI. 

KINGS OF JUDA, FROM MANASSES TO THE ELEVENTH 
YEAR OF SEDECIAS, WHEN THE REMNANT OF THB 
VEOPLE WERE CARRRIED CAPOyiVE TO BABYLON. 

Who succeeded Manasses? 
His son Am on, at the age of twenty-two, who imi- 
tated his father in his sins, but not in his repentance. 
He was murdered by his servants, after a reign of 
two years. (2 Par. xxxiii. 21.) 

W ho succeeded Anion? 
His son Josias, who was onlv eight years old whed 



154 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 33S0 

ho began Lis reign. Holy Scripture testifies of liira 
that no king before or after him so exactly fulfilled 
all the laws of Moses, and he most zealously exerted 
himself to extirpate idolatry and restore the worship 
of God. 

What did he do ? 
He purified the temple and commanded the Levitea 
to replace the ark in the sanctuary, whence it was 
probably removed in one of the late impious reigns. 
This is he whom the prophet foretold to Jeroboam, 
king of Israel, when sacrificing at Bethel, 850 years 
before, who should destroy the altar of Bethel and 
burn the bones of the idolatrous priests on it, which 
Josias fulfilled. 

Hoiv did Josias end his life f 
He was, to the great grief of the entire nation, killed 
in a battle in which he unadvisedly engaged with 
Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt, having reigned thir- 
ty-one years. (4 Kings xxii ; 2 Par. xxxv.) 

Who succeeded the good king Josias f 
His son Joachaz, at the age of twenty-three, who 
reigned only three months ; he was a wicked king, 
and was carried captive to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho, 
who appointed his brother Eliakim, king instead, 
having changed his name to Joakim. (2 Par. xxxvi.) 

How long did Joahim reign? 
Eleven years. He also was a wicked king, for which 
he was punished during the course of his reign by 
the repeated incursions of his enemies. . In the third 
year of his reign, he was, with many princes and 
children of the principal families, amongst whom was 
the prophet Daniel, then a child, carried captive to 
Babylon by Nebuchodonozer 11. ; but after some time 
Joakim was released. The seventy years' captivity 
begins its date from the time of Joakim's being car- 
ried to BabyloD, 



6V0 A. C.J SCRIi'TtJKfi HISTOlir. J 55, 

Who succeeded Joahim f 
His son Joachin, at the age of eighteen, who imi- 
tated his father's impiety, and was carried captive 
to Babylon, after a reign of only three months, to- 
gether with the principal inhabitants, and the best 
artificers' ; in all about ten thousand persons. At 
the same time, the sacred vessels of the Temple 
were likewise carried to Babylon, together with the 
king's treasures, as had been foretold to Ezechias. 

Whom did Nehuchodonozer appoint instead of 
Joachin ? 

His uncle Sedecias, son of Josias ; but, unlike his 
good father, he was impious and wicked. Regard- 
less of the oath of allegiance he had taken to Ne- 
buchodonozer, he revolted, and he and his people 
cruelly ill-treated the prophet Jeremiah and the other 
prophets whom God sent to exhort them to repent- 
ance before his just and often threatened judgments 
would overtake them. (2 Par. xxxvi.) 

How long did Sedecias reign f 
Eleven years. In the ninth year of his reign Ne- 
buchodonozer began the siege of Jerusalem, and took 
it in the eleventh. Having killed the children of 
Sedecias in his presence, he had his eyes pulled out 
and sent him bound to Babylon ; then plundered 
and burned the Temple, and all Jerusalem with it, 
put the high priest to death, and led into captivity 
all that remained of the kingdom of Juda, except 
some husbandmen and vine dressers, over whom he 
placed Godolias governor ; but he gave directions to 
Nabuzardan, his general, to spare the prophet Jere- 
miah, and permit him to go wherever he pleased. 
(4 Kings XXV., and Jer. xxxix.) 

How many years after the dispersion of Iwad 
was Juda led into captivity ? 
One hundred and thirty-three years. 



156 CArKWllSM Of lA. AI. 3380. 

CHAPTER LXYII. 

THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 

What circumstance led to tlie dispersion of the few 
Jew^ loJiom JSfehuchodonozer left? 
A wicked man, named Ismahel, having killed Godo- 
lias, the people, fearing the vengeance of Nebucho- 
donozer, fled into Egypt, thongh Jeremiah endeavor- 
ed to dissuade them, assuring them that no evil 
would befall them if they remained ; at the same 
time he foretold the miseries that would overtake 
them in Egypt, as Nebuchodonozer would invade 
that country ; and represented also the danger they 
would there be exposed to of falling into idolatry ; 
but they would not be dissuaded. 

Did Jeremiah accompany them in their flight to 
Egypt? 

Yes, they obliged him and his secretary^ the prophet 
Baruch, to go with them, promising to be guided in 
all things by Jeremiah, but soon^ to his inexpressi- 
ble grief, they declared themselves idolators, and, ac- 
cording to the Hebrew tradition, stoned him and 
Baruch to death. 

Was Jeremiah advanced in years at his death ? 
He was \ his age is not recorded, but he must hav© 
been very old, as he prophesied for nearly a ceE- 
tury, having begun in the thirteenth year of the 
reign of Josias, and he survived the release of Joachiu 
from prison in the thirty-seventh year of his cap- 
tivity. 

What prophets preached between the Assyrian and 
Babylonian captivity? 

Besides those already mentioned, Jeremiah, Nahum, 
Sophonias, and Habacuc, preached in Judea, and 
Daniel and Ezechiel in Babylon. 

What became of the Tabernacle^ arh of the Govt* 
narU and Altar of Incense f 



620 A. C.J SCRTPTUKK HISTOKT. 157 

Jeremiah, by the command of Grod, had them car- 
ried to Mount Nebo, and there concealed in a cave, 
the entrance to which he locked up, and would not 
suffer the place to be marked, saying, " The place 
shall be unknown till God gather together the con- 
gregation of the people, and receive them to mercy ,^ 
(2 Mac. ii.) / ''< / ■ , 

What did Jeremiah crrdyr to he done with the 
sacred fire ? 

He directed the priests to take it from the altar, 
and hide it in a deep dry pit, where it remained un- 
liscovered until the return from the captivity. (2 
Mac. i. 19.) 

Of what did Jeremiah prophesy f 
Of the coming of our Lord, and the perpetuity of 
the priesthood. He foretold the Babylonian captivi- 
ty, a punishment inflicted for the idolatry and ob- 
stinate impenitence of the Jews, their return to 
Jerusalem after seventy years, and the destruc- 
tion and perpetual desolation of Babylon on account 
of the iniquity of its people. (Jer. xv., xxix., 
sxxii., xxxiii.) 

CHAPTEE LXYIII. 

THE PROPHET EZECHIEL. 

Of what did Ezechiel prophesy f 
He foretold in Babylon what Jeremiah did in Jeru- 
salem, the approaching desolation of that city, and 
the captivity of its king and people : with their re- 
storation and the rebuilding of the Temple. Eze- 
chiel also foretold the coming of our Lord, who would 
himself be the shepherd of his peopie. (Ez. xii., 
xvii., xxxiv., xxxix.) 

What exemplification did God give Ezechiel of 
the d.diverance of his people f*om^ captivity, and 
their restoration to their former greatness? 
14 



158 CATECHISM OP [A. M. 33 

He placed Mm in spirit in the midst of a plain which 
was covered with dry bones, and having made him 
consider them attentively, asked *' Dost thou think 
these bones shall live :" to which Ezechiel replied 
*• Lord, thou knowest :" then God desired him to 
command th^ bones to come together, and resume 
their former position. Having done so, the bones 
with noise and commotion came, each one to its joint 
as he spoke, the sinews and flesh came on them, and 
the skin was stretched over them. 

Then hy divine command what did Ezechiel do f 
Then by the divine command Ezechiel called on tho 
spirit to reanimate them, and they stood up, an 
exceedingly great army. " These bones," said Al- 
mighty God, ''represent the house of Israel, they 
say, our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost, 
and we are cut off; therefore prophecy, and say to 
them, thus saith the Lord God : Behold I will open 
your graves, and will bring you out of your sepul- 
chres, my people, and will bring you into the land 
of Israel." 

Relate the vision Ezechiel had in the fifth year of 
the caj^tivity of King Joachinf 
Being on the bank of the great river Chobar or 
Euphrates, he perceived a whirlwind rising from the 
north, which enlightened the atmosphere around. 
In the midst of the fiery cloud appeared four living 
creatures, who in shape and body had the likeness of 
a human figure ; but their heads and feet were of a 
very singular appearance. 

What is said of their faces ? 
Each one had four faces in an opposite direction, 
looking towards the four points of the heavens. The 
face of a man was on the fore part of all the four ; 
the face of a lion on the right. On the left was 
the face of an ox, and behind was the face of an 
eagle rising somewhat higher. They had four wings, 



620 A. O.J SCRlFT(mE fflSTORY. 159 

one on every side, and under each wing a hand, re- 
sembling that of a man ; their legs were straight, 
and the sole of their foot was like that of a calf 
Two of their wings covered each one's body, and 
the other two were extended and lifted up as it were, 
teady for flight. Whenever they moved, and they 
moved as the impulse of the Spirit directed them, 
their motion was straightforward, and they ran and 
returned like flashes of lightning. Neither did they 
turn about when they went, each one having his face 
always pointing forward. Their whole figure glow- 
ed with the appearance of burning coals and bright 
flaming lamps. 

What is said of Ezechielj at the sight of this 
vision ? 

At the sight of this awful vision, Ezechiel fell upon 
his face. The Lord bade him rise, and announce his 
judgments to the children of Israel. (Ez. xxxvii.) 

CHAPTEK LXIX. 

THE PROPHET DANIEL IN THE COURT OF NEBUCHO- 
DONOSOR. 

Of what did Daniel prophesy ? 
He foretold not only the coming of our Lord, but the 
time in which he would come ; the rebuilding of 
Jerusalem, its final destruction, the cessation of the 
Jewish sacrifices, and the rise and fall of several 
great empires. (Dan. ix. 24, and xi. 31.) 

In what manner did Daniel live in the court of 
Nehuchodonosor^ lohen selected loith other Hehreio 
children to wait on the hing) and he instructed in ths 
learning of the Chaldees f 

He lived most frugally and abstemiously, though 
surrounded with every delicacy, despising all that he 
might serve God faithfully. The Lord therefore bless- 
ed him and his companions that fol-owed his example, 



IGO OA.T15CH1SM OF [A- M. 3380. 

made them look better than those who were nourisli- 
ed with exquisite meats, and gave them understand- 
ing and wisdom beyond all who were educated with 
them. To Daniel also, he added the gift of pro* 
phesy. (Dan. i.) 

How teas Daniel specially introduced to the notice 
of the king f 

Nebuchodonosor had a dream which greatly terrified 
him, but having forgot it when he awoke, he sent for 
his wise men and soothsayers, and commanded them, 
under pain of death and confiscation of property, to 
inform him both of the dream and its interpretation. 
They remonstrated, saying, that he required an im 
possibility ; but said they would interpret the dream 
if he related it. This he considered an attempt to 
gain time, and deceive him, and accordingly gave 
orders for their immediate execution : several were 
put to death before Daniel heard of it, and as the 
sentence extended to all the wise men, Daniel and 
his companions were included ; he immediately went 
to the king and begged some respite, then returning 
to his house, he and his three companions Ananias, 
Azarias and Misael united in fervent prayer to God 
who graciously heard them, and revealed the dream 
to Daniel that night. Having returned thanks to 
God he went to the king and interpreted his dream ; 
for which he raised him to great dignity, and at his 
request placed Ananias, Azarias and Misael over the 
works of Babylon. Daniel was known to the Chal- 
dees by the name of Baltassar, and his companions 
as Sidrach, Misach and Abdenago. (Dan. ii.) 

What tvas the dream of Nebuchodonosor f 
He dreamed that he saw a terrible colossal statue, 
the head of which was made of gold, the breast and 
arms of silver, the body of brass, the legs of iron, the 
feet partly of iron, partly of clay. Having observed 
it some time, a stone not cut with hands rolled from 



620 A. C] SCRIPTUKE HISTORY. 161 

a mountain, and struck the statue on the feet, broke 
it in pieces, and crumbled the whole into dust, which 
was blown away by the wind ; and the stone became 
a mountain which filled the whole earth. 

W7iat icas the interpretation of the dream ? 
?uch,*0 king, said Daniel, was your dream; and 
this is the interpretation : the head of gold denotes 
you and your kingdom. ; another less powerful than 
you shall succeed you as denoted by silver, which 
shall be followed by a third of brass ; and the fourth 
shall be of greater strength, as denoted by iron ; but 
it shall be divided, being partly strong and partly 
weak, as denoted by iron mixed with clay. Then 
shall God raise a fifth, which shall last for ever, and 
shall utterly destroy and consume those that preceded 
it. (Dan. ii.) 

CHAPTEE LXX. 

PRESERVATION OF THE HEBREWS WHEN CAST INTO THE 
FIERY FURNACE. 

Relate ichaf you remember of the miraculous pre- 
servation of Sidrach, MisacJi, and AhdenagOy when 
cast into the fiery furnace f 

Nebuchodonosor having made a great golden statue, 
erected it in a plain near Babylon, and ordered the 
nobles, magistrates, rulers, and all in authority to 
attend at its dedication ; and at a signal given by 
musical instruments, to fall down and adore it, com- 
manding that any one who refused should be cast 
into a fiery furnace. When the signal was given, 
all prostrated except the Hebrews, who being imme- 
diately brought before the king, he, in great anger, 
repeated his command and threat, asking, " Who is 
the G-od that shall deliver you out of my hand ?" 
To which they replied, " Our God whom we worship 
is able to cave us from the furnace of burning fire 



162 CATIKCHISM Of [A. M. 3408. 

and to deliver us out of thy hands, king ; but if 
he will not, be it known to thee, king, that we will 
not worship thy gods, nor adore the golden statue 
which thou hast set up." . 

What did JSFehnchodonosor tlien do ? 
Then Nebuchodonosor, in great rage, ordered the 
furnace to be heated seven times more than it was, 
and the strongest men in his army to bind Sidrach, 
Misjich, and Abdenago, and cast them in. 

What is related of the three Hebrews f 
The king's servants threw in pitch, tow, and other 
combustibles, until the flame arose forty-nine cubits 
above the furnace, and killed all who were near it, 
with the men who cast in the three Hebrews ; but 
they walked in the midst of the fire unburt, praising, 
and blessing Grod, who had sent an angel with them 
into the furnace to drive out the flame, and render it 
cool and pleasant. 

What did JSfebiichodonosor do f 
Nebuchodonosor seeing the miracle that was wrought, 
called on them to come forth, gave them full liberty 
to exercise their religion, and published an edict 
throughout his dominions in praise and acknowledg- 
ment of the wonderful works of God. (Dan. iii.) 

CHAPTER LXXL 

BEL AND THE DKAGON. 

What means did Daniel tahe to prove to the hing 
und people the ahsurdity of idolatry ? . 
The favorite idol of the Babylonians was called Bel, 
to which they erected a magnificent temple, and sent 
into it daily, for the use of the idol, a large quantity 
of fine flour, forty sheep, and si^ty vessels of wine. 
The king went daily to the temple to adore it, and 
one day asked Daniel why be did not. Daniel re- 
plied that he did not adore idols, the work of men'fi» 



692 A. C.j SCRlFTtJRE HlSTOltt. 15«^ 

hands ; but that he adored the living God who made 
heaven and earth. The king expressed surprise at 
his doubt of Bel being a living &od, seeing that he 
consumed so much provisions. Daniel assured him 
that he was deceived, that Bel never ate, and that he 
could prove it. The king ordered him to do so, and 
decreed that in case he did, the ]3riests of Bel should 
die, but that if he failed, he should die himself fop 
blaspheming Bel. The provisions being placed in 
the temple, the king sealed the door with his own 
seal, and went away, Daniel having first taken tho 
precaution of sifting fine ashes over the floor. The 
next morning, the king, accompanied by Daniel, went 
to the temple, and having opened the door, seeing 
that the place was empty, began to extol Bel, but 
Daniel directed his attention to the prints of feet in 
the ashes. The king, seeing the footsteps of men, 
women, and children, sent for the priests, and obliged 
them to show the secret door, by which they entered 
and carried away the provisions. Then, being greatly 
incensed, he condemned them to death, and per- 
mitted Daniel to destroy Bel and the temple. 

Did the Babylonians pay divine honor to any other 
object besides Bel? 

They did, to a great dragon which, next to Bel, was 
held in the greatest veneration by them. This, the 
king told Daniel he ought to have no objection to 
worship, as he could not deny that it had life ; to 
which Daniel replied, that if he permitted him, he 
would kill the dragon without sword or club. The 
king having assented, he gave it a composition, on 
eating which it burst ; and Daniel took that oppor- 
tunity to point out the absurdity of worshipping such 
things. (Dan. xiv.) 

How did the Babylonians act when they heard 
what Daniel had done ? 
They assembled seditiously, and threatened to de- 



164 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 6i0b 

stroy the king and his house unless he delivered 
Daniel to them. He reluctantly yielded, not being 
able otherwise to appease them, and they immediately 
threw Daniel into the lion's den, where he remained 
six days. On the seventh, the king went to lament 
him, but seeing him sitting in the midst of the lions, 
had him instantly taken out and glorified the God 
whom he adored. He then caused DanieFs enemies 
to be thrown in, and the lions immediately devoured 
them. 

IIo2v was Daniel su2Dplied with food while in the 
i%ynh den f 

By a prophet of Judea, named Habacuc, who having 
prepared a dinner for some reapers, was carrying it 
to them, when an angel desired him to take it to 
Daniel, who was in the lion's den in Babylon, and on 
his replying that he never saw Babylon, nor knew 
the den, the angel took him up by the hair and car- 
ried him thither. After Daniel had partaken of the 
food thus miraculously conveyed, the angel presently 
set Habacuc again in his own place. (Dan. xiv.) 

What impending judgment did Daniel foretell to 
JSfehiichodonosor II f 

That he would be cast out from the society of men 
for seven years, and have for his companions the 
beasts of the field until he acknowledged the power 
of Grod, and his entire dependence on him. 

Hoio did Daniel advise him to avert it f 
Daniel advised him to redeem his sins with alms, and 
his iniquities with works of mercy to the poor that 
God might forgive him. 

At the end of a year, what happened to Nebwcho' 
donosor f 

At the end of a year, Nebuchodonosor walking in hia 
palace, and beholding with delight the glory that 

Note, — This is the Nebuchodonosor who led the Jews into cap- 
tivitj. He was son to Nabopolaser, and father to Evil Merodach, 



648 A. C] SCKIPTUKE KlSTOKY. 165 

surrounded liiiii, in the pride of his heart, attributed 
all to his own excellence and power; then a voice 
from heaven pronounced the sentence which Daniel 
had predicted, and Nebuchodonosor became a com- 
panion for beasts, and was driven from the society of 
men for seven years. When they had expired his 
reason was restored, and he blessed the hand that 
chastised him, acknowledging the power, the justice, 
and wisdom of God, who then restored to him his 
kingdom with additional majesty. (Dan. iv.) 

CHAPTEE LXXII. 
baltassar's feast. 

What IS related of Baltassar ? 
Baltassar, who is believed to be the son of Evil 
Merodach, in the seventeenth and last year of his 
reign, made a splendid entertainment for a thousand 
of his nobles, during which, he ordered the sacred 
vessels that were brought from the Temple of Jerusa- 
lem, to be produced for the use of himself and guests. 

What happened when they had^ drunk out of the 
sacred vessels ? 

Scarcely had he and they profanely drunk out of 
them, when the fingers of a man's hand appeared 
writing characters on the wall, which none of the 
wise men could decipher, and the king in great 
trouble anxiously sought for one who could read and 
interpret the mysterious writing, promising to clothe 
in purple, and exalt to the third dignity in the king- 
dom any who could do so. The queen hearing of the 
king's disquiet came into the banquet-room and en- 
deavored to calm his agitation; at her suggestion 
Daniel was sent for, to whom the king renewed his 
promises of reward. 

What did Daniel reply ? 
Daniel replied, " Thy rewards be to thyself, and the 



166 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3455. 

gifts of thy house give to another, but the writing 1 
will read to thee, king, and show thee the inter- 
pretation thereof. Then reminding Baltassar of the 
punishment that befell Nebuchodonosor for his pride, 
and representing to him that notwithstanding his 
being aware of it, he had lifted himself up against 
the Lord of heaven, and profaned the consecrated 
vessels of his Temple. 

What was tlie interpretation of the writing ? 
The words on the wall were ^'llane, Thecel^ Phares^ 
and Daniel thus interpreted it: ''Mane, God hath 
numbered thy kingdom, and hath finished it. Thecel, 
thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting, 
PhareSj thy kingdom is divided, and given to the 
Medes and Persians." (Dan. v.) 

How soon was the prediction fixljilled ? 
That very night the Medes gained an unexpected 
entrance into Babylon, Baltassar was slain, and Da- 
rius ascended the throne. 

How was that great city Babylon taken in one 
night f 

Cyrus, general of the combined forces of the Medes 
and Persians at the time besieging Babylon, seeing 
that on account of the great strength and extent of 
the city there was little probability of being able to 
ake it unless by stratagem, devised an extraordinary 
way to gain an entrance. The great river Euphratea 
ran through the centre of the city, and Cyrus medi- 
tated no less than turning its course and marching 

Note. — Daniel was at this time about eighty-seven years old, 
being eighteen when carried to Babylon with Joakim, the year 
before Nabopolaser's death, whose son Nebuchodonosor II. reigned 
forty-three years; his son, Evil Merodach, two years, and Bal- 
tassar seventeen. Between Baltassar and Evil Merodach two 
cings of a different line reigned, one for four years, the other nine 
months. Daniel survived to the reign of Cyrus, who succeeded 
Darius the Mede. The latter is supposed to nave reignwd but OM 
yeai* in Babvlon. 



U8 A. C] SCRJJ nniE HISTORY. 167 

his army tlirougli the dry bed of the river : accord- 
ingly, with great labor he had a deep ditch cut half 
round the city connected with the Euphrates below 
Babylon, and separated above only by a dam. The 
night of Baltassar's feast he put his project in exe- 
cution ; breaking the dam, and turning the river into 
the channel he had cut for it, he led his army with- 
out opposition into the centre of the city, by what 
the Babylonians considered their best defence, whilst 
they were engaged in banqueting, not thinking an 
enemy could approach them. 

CHAPTER LXXIIT. 

PROPHECIES OP THE CAPTURE OF BABYLON. 

Was the faking of Bahylon foretold long hefore by 
'lie prophets f 

fes, nearly 200 years before by Tsaias ; also by 
Jereniiah, with the manner in which it should be 
taken, the people who should overthrow it, and the 
name of the general who should command them, 
together with the occurrence that should bring the 
vengeance cf God on the city. 

Repeat the prophecies that describe the manner of 
Its capture ? 

'* I have caused thee to fall into a snare, and thou 
art taken, Babylon, and thou wast not aware of it, 
(Jer. 1. 24,) thou that dwellest upon many waters, 
(Jer. li. 13,) a drought is upon them, (Jer. 1. 38,) 
the fords are taken, and the marshes burned with 
fire, and the men of war are affrighted. (Jer. li. 32.) 
The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, 
and his hands are grown feeble. (Jer. 1. 43.) I will 
make her princes drunk, and her wise men, and her 
captains, and her rulers, and her valiant men, and 
they shall sleep an everlasting sleep." (Jer. li. 57.) 



168 CATECHISM O^ lA. M. 3453. 

Repeat the propliecy that mentions the names of 
tJie comhmed forces that shovld attack Bahylon f 
*' Go up, Elam, besiege, Mede .... Babylon is 
fallen, she is fallen, and all tbe graven gods thereof 
are broken unto the ground ?" (Isaias xxi. 2, 9 ; 
and Jer. li. 28.) 

i^epeo^ the prophecy which names the general who 
took Bahylon? 

" Thus saith the Lord to my anointed Cyrus, whose 
light hand I have taken hold of to subdue nations 
before his face, and to turn the backs of kings, and 
to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not 
be shut, I will go before thee, and humble the great 
ones of the earth, I will break in pieces the gates of 
brass, and burst the bars of iron, and I will give 
thee hidden treasures, and the concealed riches of 
secret places, that thou mayest know that I am the 
Lord who call thee by thy name, the God of Israel, 
for the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my 
elect, I have even called thee by thy name, I have 
made a likeness of thee, and thou hast not known 
me." (Isaias xlv.) 

Repeat the prophecies of the occurrences which 
hroiight the judgment of God on Babylon ? 
" Get thee into darkness, daughter of the Chal- 
deans, who sayest, *I am, and there is none else 
besides me.' "I was angry with my people, and 
gave them into thy hands, and thou hast shown no 
mercy to them. Behold I come against thee, thou 
proud one, saith the Lord of hosts." (Isaias xlvii.. 
Jer. 1. 81.) *' The Lord hath raised up the spirit of 
the kings of the Modes, and his mind is againsi 
Babylon to destroy it, because it is the vengeance of 
the Lord, the vengeance of his Temple." (Jer. 1 
11.) "It shall be no more inhabited for ever, and 
it shall not be founded unto generation and genera 
tion." (Isaias xiii. 20.) 



547 A. C.J SCKirTUKB HlSTOKl lOS 

CHAPTEK LXXIY. 

DANIEL IN THE LIOn's DEN. 

JJoio was Daniel treated hy Darius ? 
With every mark of esteem, which excited the envy 
of the courtiers, who consulted together in order to 
discover something to accuse him of, and not suc- 
ceeding, devised a plan by which they hoped to 
gratify their unjust hatred. 

What ]ylan did they devise ? 
Waiting on Darius, they prevailed with him to issue 
a decree forbidding all under pain of death to pre- 
sent any petition to Grod or man for the e^pace of 
thirty days. Daniel, though aware of the decree, 
performed his daily devotions as usual. This his 
enemies expected, and reported to the king, requiring 
the immediate execution of the edict. Darius, in 
great trouble, sought to deliver him, but the nobles 
would not suffer it, as (according to the laws of the ■ 
Medes and Persians) a decree published by the king 
could not be annulled. Darius with much grief then 
gave orders for Daniel's being cast into the lions' 
den ; and through grief could neither eat nor sleep 
that night. 

In the morning, lohat did the hing do? , 

Early in the morning, going to the den, he cried in 
a mournful voice, " Daniel, servant of the living God, 
hath thy Grod, whom thou servest always, been able 
to deliver thee from the lions ?" 

What did Daniel reply f 
Daniel replied, " king, my God hath sent his an- 
gel, and hath shut up the mouths of the lions, and 
they have not hurt me, forasmuch as before him jus- 
tice hath been found in me ; yea, and before theo, 
king, I have done no offence." 
15 



170 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3454 

W hat did the hing then do ? 
Then the king with great joy had him taken out of 
the den, and his accusers with their wiv^es and chil- 
dren immediately cast in, who were killed by the 
lions before they so much as reached the bottom of 
the den. (Dan yi.) 

Hoio long did the Babylonian captivity last? 
Seventy years, as foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, 

"And all this land shall be a desolation and 

shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years." 
(Jer. XXV. 2.) 

How did Daniel act when the seventy years had 
nearly expired? 

He humbled himself iji prayer and fasting, earnestly 
imploring of God to restore his people and rebuild 
the city whereon his name was invocated. Whilst 
Daniel persevered in prayer, he was favored by the 
angel Gabriel appearing to him, and assuring him 
not only of the deliverance of the people from bon- 
dage, but also from the slavery of sin, by the coming 
and death of Christ, which he foretold him would 
take place in the seventieth week (of years) from 
the going forth of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. 
(Dan. ix. 11.) 



SIXTH AGE OF THE WORLD. 

Fi am the return from the Babylonian captivity under 
Cyrus to the birth of Christy a space q/" 646 years, 

CHAPTEE LXXY. 

THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM REBUILT. 

By whom was the decree to rebuild the Temple 
published ? 
By Cyrus, in the first year of his reign. The seven* 



546 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY- 17 1 

ty years' captivity being ended, he (as was foretold 
by Isaias) gave permission to all to contribute to the 
rebuilding of the Temple, and he restored the sacred 
vessels that had been carried out of it. The prin- 
cipal families of Juda and Benjamin, together with the 
priests and Levites to the number of 42,360, availed 
themselves of his permission to return to Jerusalem, 
and with 7360 servants marched under the conduct 
of Zorobabel, grandson to king Joachin, and accom- 
panied by Josue, the High Priest, and the Prophets 
Aggeus and Zacharias. (Esdras i.) 

Did any people impede the rebuilding of tJie 
Temjjlc f 

The Samaritans did. At first, they offered to assist 
the Jews in rebuilding it ; but their services being 
declined, they exerted all their influence to counter- 
act it, and by their representations to the court of 
Persia, succeeded during the reign of three succes- 
sive kings (a space of about sixteen years) ; but in 
the reign of Darius Hystaspes, the prophets Aggeus 
and Zacharias encouraged Zorobabel and the people 
to proceed with it, and Darius himself contributed 
large sums of money. 

Hoio did the ancients act who remembered the 
former Temple , when they saw the foundations of tJie 
new f 

They wept so bitterly, and cried so loud, that their 
lamentations nearly drowned the acclamations of the 
young people who rejoiced at seeing the building, 
(Esdras iii. 12) ; but God sent the prophet Aggeus 
to comfort and assure them that though that house 
was not to be compared to the former in magnifi- 
cence, it should nevertheless surpass it in glory ; that 
in a little time God would move heaven and earth, 
and the desired of all nations come, and that house 
De filled with glory. (Aggeus ii.) 

Whilst the Jews who returned from captivity w^re 



] 72 t7ATECHlb'M OF [A. M. 3454. 

in danger from the enmity of the Samaritans, icith 
what danger icen^e their brethren icho remained after 
them threatened f 

Witli utter extermination, from the fury of a wick- 
ed man named Aman, but God counteracted liis du 
vices, and raised a protector for his people in the 
person of Esther, one of their own nation, whom the 
king raised to the dignity of queen for her supeiioi 
merit. 

CHAPTER LXXVI. 

HISTORY OF ESTHER. 

What is related of Assuerus? 
Assuerus, king of the Modes and Persians, made a 
great feast in the third year of his reign for all the 
nobles and princes of his empire ; and in order to 
exhibit his riches prolonged it for one hundred and 
eighty days ; at the end of which he made another 
feast of seven days, to which he invited all the citi- 
zens of Susan, the capital of his empire ; he sent also 
to Vasthi, the queen, whom he requested to come ar- 
rayed in her royal robes, that the nobles and people 
might admire her, for she was exceedingly beautiful ; 
but it being unusual for Persian women ^f rank to 
appear at banquets, the queen refused. 

What did the king do? 
The king thinking himself slighted in the presence 
of his nobles, resented the queen's refusal, and con- 
sulted some of his wise men as to how he should 
act ; they inflamed his resentment, advising him to 
divorce her and select from amongst the most beau* 
tiful women of the empire one who would be w^orthy 
to reign instead. In accordance with this advice, 
officers were sent through all the provinces, and of 
all who were presented to the king none pleased 
him so much as Esther, whom he crowned, and 



646 A. C] «CK1PTUKJG HISTORT. 173 

their nuptials were celebrated with royal magnifi- 
cence. 

What IS said of EstJier f 
Esther had been left an orphan when very young, 
and was brought up in sentiments of great piety by 
her uncle Mordochai, to whom she was as obedient 
when queen as during her childhood ; soon after her 
coronation a plot was laid against the king's life, 
which Mordochai discovered and disclosed to Esther, 
who in his name informed the king of it, and the 
matter being inquired into, the conspirators were 
executed ; but Esther did not say that Mordochai 
was related to her, because he had forbidden her to 
make known her country or people. 

What is said of 3Iordochai f 
After Esther was made queen, Mordochai usually sat 
at the palace gate, yet even in that humble position 
acquired the enmity of a powerful courtier named 
xVman, who being used to the servila homage paid 
him by the king's servants, was mortified at not re- 
ceiving the same from Mordochai, and discovering 
that he was a Jew, determined to be revenged not 
only on him but on all his countrymen. 

What did Aman do ? 
Accordingly, he took occasion to represent to As- 
Buerus that the Jews scattered over his dominions 
despised his ordinances ; and used laws and cere- 
monies peculiar to themselves, which rendered it ex- 
pedient to exterminate them all, and begged the 
king to issue a decree to that effect : to which As- 
fiuerus assented, as he believed the statement made 
on such authority. Aman immediately proceeded 
to put his wicked design in execution, but first, 
Kuperstitiously cast lots for the day on which the 
general massacre should take place, and having 
drawn the thirteenth of the twelfth month, ordered 
the king's scribes to write to all Darts of the king- 
15* 



174 CATECHISM OB [A. M. 3454. 

dom, and to command the judges and lieutenants to 
cause all the Jews young and old to be killed on 
that day. 

At the announcement^ what is said of 3fo7^docha{ f 
At the announcement of this sorrowful news, Mor- 
dochai put on sackcloth, and weeping bitterly went 
to the gate of the palace, of which Esther being in- 
formed she sent in great anxiety to know the cause 
of his grief, and he sent her a copy of the edict, 
with an injunction to petition the king in be- 
half of her people. Esther humbly represented 
that none could go into the king's inner court un- 
scnt for, under pain of instant death, unless the king 
held cut the golden sceptre in token of clemency ; 
she had not yet made known that she was a JewesH 
on account of Mordochai's prohibition, but he now 
removed it telling her that God had probably raised 
her to the throne that she might be ready to assist 
her people in their distress ; and that at such a time 
she ought to think of saving other lives besides her 
own. 

What did Esther do after hearing the reasoning 
of Mordochaif 

Esther yielding to his reasons, consented to risk her 
life for the sake of her people, but first desired that 
he, and all the Jews in Susan should unite with her 
in prayer and fasting for three days. At the end 
of that time laying aside her penitential garb, and 
begging of God to put a suitable speech in her 
mouth when in the king's presence, she arrayed 
herself in her royal robes, and taking two maids with 
her, entered the inner court in which the king was 
seated on his throne, surrounded by the ensigns of 
royalty. 

What hajjpened, when she came into the hingQ 
2:>resence f 
Surprised at the unexpected appearance of the queei^ 



546 A. C.J b'CRIFTUKS HISTOKY. 175 

Assuerus looked at lier angrily, at which, she turniDg 
pale, sank clown ; at that moment God changed the 
king's S]3irit into mildness, hastily descending from 
the throne, he raised her, and laying the golden scep- 
tre on her neck told her the law was not made for 
her, and encouraged her to ask what she desired, 
assuring her that if it were half the kingdom she 
should ha.ve it: when sufficiently recovered to an- 
swer him, Esther requested him to partake of the 
banquet she had prepared for him, and to bring 
Aman to it : with which the king immediately com- 
plied. 

What reply did Esther make to enquiries of the 
king at the feast? 

Being greatly pleased at the entertainment, Assuerus 
again asked Esther what she wished, and renewed 
the promise to grant it whatever it might be : she 
replied that she would open her mind to him on the 
following day, if he and Aman would again favor her 
by coming to her feast ; to this the king consented. 

What is said of Aman f 
Aman went out highly pleased at the honor done 
him ; but vfhen he saw Mordochai his former discon- 
tent revived to such a degree, that as he told his 
wife and friends, his wealth, children, and honors ap- 
peared nothing to him as long as he saw Mordochai 
sitting at the king's gate, 

What was he advised to do? 
They advised him to erect a gibbet fifty cubits high; 
and in the morning to speak to the king to have him 
hanged on it ; Aman immediately began to act on 
this advice, his pride and resentment not enduring 
the delay of his revenge until the day appointed for 
the general massacre of the Jews. 

How were his designs defeated? 
Grod who watches over his servants defeated the de- 
signs of the proud Aman ; that night, the king not 



176 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3547. 

being able to sleep commanded the annals of his 
reign to be read for him ; on hearing the part in which 
it was mentioned that Mordochai discovered the plot 
against his life, he asked what reward he had re- 
ceived ; and being told that he had got none, desired 
to know who waited in the court. Aman had jusi 
came to procure the order for Mordochai's execution, 
and was instantly called to the king, who asked him 
how the man should be honored whom the king 
wished to honor. 

What reply did Aman mahef 
Aman supposing none could be intended but him* 
self, replied, that he should be clothed in royal robes, 
with the crown on his head, and seated on the king's 
horse, the first of the nobles holding the bridle, and 
proclaiming as they advance : '' Thus shall he be 
honored, whom the king hath a mind to honor." 

How did fJie hing ansiDer f 
" Make haste," said the king, " take the robe and the 
horse, do as you have said to Mordochai, the Jew, 
and fail not in any particular." 

What followed this ansiuer ? 
This mortification was but a prelude to Aman's de- 
struction ; that day, whilst in company with the king 
and queen, Assuerus again asked Esther to mention 
her petition. " If I have found favor in thy sight, 
king," she replied, " and if it please thee, give me 
my life for which I ask, and my people for which I 
request, for we are given up to be slain ; if we were 
to be sold as slaves we should only have mourned in 
silence, but now the cruelty of our enemy redoundeth 
on the king." 

What is said of Assuerus ? 
Assuerus, in surprise asked whom she meant, and 
who had power to do what she said? The queen 
replied, "It is Aman who is our adversary and most 
wicked enemy." Aman's perturbation confirming 



453 A. C.J fe-CKirTUKE HISTORY. T/? 

the statement, Assuerus in great anger arose, and 
went into the garden. 

What did Aman do f 
Perceiving that his life was in danger, and over- 
whelmed with fear, Aman fell at Esther's feet to beg 
for pity. 

Wliat did Assuerus order ? 
ALSSuerus returned whilst he still remainea in that 
position, and being already incensed became still 
iiore so at what he considered rudeness to the queen, 
md one of the attendants mentioning the gibbet that 
Aman had prepared for Mordochai, the king ordered 
tiim to be hanged on it forthwith ; which was accord- 
ingly done. 

What followed the death of Aman ? 
A^ssuerus gave Aman's house to Esther, and invested 
Mordochai with the dignity Aman had enjoyed, by 
another decree counteracted the former, and restored 
peace to the Jewish people ; on seeing which won- 
derful deliverance many professed themselves Jews, 
And worshipped the one only true God. 

CHAPTEK LXXYII. 

EDICT or ARTAXERXES TO REBUILD THE WALLS OF 
JERUSALEM. NEHEMIAS APPOINTED GOVERNOR. 

When did Esdras the priest leave Babylon for Je- 
rusalem ? 

In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, grand- 
eon to Darius Hystaspes, about eighty years after 
ZorobabeFs return, and a number of the Jews, who 
had until then remained in Babylon accompanied 
him. Esdras was invested with authority from Ar- 
taxerxes to carry the presents offered by the king 
and others for the service of the Temple, to appoint 
judges and magistrates, and to establish good order 
in Judea. of which he held the government thirteen 



178 UATECilISM OF A. M. 354T 

years, until Nehemias was sent with a new commis- 
sion from tlie Persian court. 

When ivas the order given to rehuild the walls of 
Jerusalem f 

In the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, a< 
the prayer of Nehemias his cup-bearer, whom h^ 
appointed governor, and who proved himself worthy 
of the trust reposed in him, being unremitting in the 
discharge of his public duties, and most charitable 
and kind to the poor, whom he protected from the 
exactions of the rich. Both by exhortation and ex- 
ample he strove to induce the wealthy to remit the 
debts due to them ; and not only gave up the pension 
allowed him as governor but contributed largely out 
of his private fortune to the wants of the poor. 

What prophet lived after the rebuilding of tht 
Temple ? 

Malachias, the last of the prophets ; there was no 
prophet from his time until St. John Baptist, whom 
he foretold. (Mai. iii.) 

Of ivhat did Malachias prophecy ? 
Of the coming of Christ, the rejection of the Jew?' 
and their sacrifices, and the call of the gentiles, whc- 
should in every place offer to Grod an acceptable 
sacrifice. 

How many prophets left icritings hearing their 
QiaTiies f 

Sixteen : they are divided into two classes, the great 
and the minor prophets. 

Name the great prophets. 
Isaias, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, who are desig- 
nated the great, on account of the length of their 
prophecies. 

2s''otc. — From this date the seventy weeks (of years) foretold by 
.Daniel are begun to ^e counted : there beinor sixty-nine weeks o't 
years, or four hundred and eighty-three years from this to th^ 
baptism of our Lord. 



403 A. ^\ 1 ^O-KirTUKE HISTORY. 1 ,'9 

Name the tioelve minor prophets. 
Jonas, Osee, Amos, Abdias, Micheas, Nalium, Joel, 
Sophonias, Habacuc, Aggeus, Zacharias, and Mala- 
chias. 

Why is not Baruch named among them ? 
Because tlie prophecy which bears his name was for 
a long time thought to be the work of Jeremiah ; and 
is even still supposed to be dictated for the most part 
by Jeremiah, though penned by Baruch. 

What space of time was included between the first 
and last of the above-named prophets f 
About four hundred years. 

How dAd Nehemias procure halloioedj fire after the 
rebuilding of the Temple f 

He sent some descendants of the priests, who by 
command of Jeremiah, had hidden the sacred fire, to 
seek it ; but they found only thick water, which Ne- 
hemias desired them draw up and bring to him ; and 
having caused the altar and victims to be sprinkled 
with it, it ignited and consumed the sacrifice. (2 
Mac. i. 

CHAPTER LXXYIII. 

CIVIL DISTURBANCE. FOREIGN INVASION. 

Holo was the hingdom of Juda govefrned from tJis 
time of Nehemias f 

By High Priests, of whom a regular succession was 
maintained from the beginning. The kingdom was 
nevertheless subject to Persia, but had full enjoy- 
ment of religious liberty, and a long and prosperous 
peace, during which Jerusalem was in a great degree 
restored to its ancient splendor, and the Temple 
adorned by the gifts of several kings ; but after the 
conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great, and the 
gubsequent division of his empire, the Deace of Juda 



180 CATECHISM or [A, M. 3597 

was disturbed partly by civil dissensions, and partly 
oy the tyranny of the kings of Asia. 

What occasioned the building of the temjyJe on 
Mount Gerezim in Samaria, and the schism thai 
followed f 

Manasses, brother to Jaddna, the High Priest, mar- 
ried the daughter of a powerful man of Samaria, 
named Sanballat, contrary to the law which prohib- 
ited priests marrying out of their own nation. This 
disqualified him from performing the sacred duties 
of the ministry, and whilst he was undecided whether 
to renounce his sacerdotal dignity or send away his 
wife, Sanballat, anxious to gratify him for his daugh- 
ter's sake, promised to build him a temple at Gere- 
zim, like that at Jerusalem, and to make him priest 
of it. He engaged also to procure the approbation 
of Darius ; but that king being conquered by Alex- 
ander, Sanballat transferred his allegiance, and ob- 
tained Alexander's sanction for che intended temple. 
The edifice was quickly raised, and thenceforward, 
for about two hundred years, it was resorted to by 
those Jews who were unwilling to be restrained by 
the strictness of the law, and by priests, who, lika 
Manasses, had married pagan wives. (Josephus, 
Book II., c. 8 and 9.) 

What gave rise to the attempt of Seleucus^ king of 
Asia^ on the treasury of the Tem2:>le at Jerusalem! 
The overseer of the Temple, a wicked man of tho 

Note. — Those denominated kings of Asia were some of Alexan- 
der's successors who shared in the division of his conquered 
dominions. The disputes between them and the kings of Egypt 
made them occasionally seek alliance with the Jews; at other 
times they claimed Palestine as a province. 

xYofc— Fifty years after the erection of the Samaritan temple, 
Ptolemy Philadelphus, sent to Jerusalem to Eleazer, the high 
priest, '^( grandson to Jaddua.) for a copy of the Jewish law 
which he gave, and with it six interpreters from each tribe, who 
translated it into Greek. This is what is called the Septuagint 
ti'anslation. 



403 A. C] SCRIPTUKB H1ST0R\. 181 

tribe of BeDJamin named Simon, being opposed in 
an unjust design by Onias the High Priest, gave 
information, out of a spirit of revenge, that immense 
sums of money were deposited in the treasury of the 
Temple, which could be converted to the king's use. 
Seleucus immediately sent Heliodorus, his commis- 
sary, with orders to seize it, and notwithstanding the 
remonstrances of the High Priest, who represented 
^hat the money was the property of widows and or- 
phans who placed it there for safety, he proceeded to 
take possession of it. 

How was Heliodorus prevented from possessing, 
himself of the money ? 

When the reason of his arrival in Jerusalem was 
made known, Onias and all the people earnestly be- 
sought Almighty God to prevent the profanation of 
the sanctuary ; he mercifully heard their prayer, and 
when Heliodorus, surrounded by his guards, at- 
tempted to enter, he and they were struck with sud- 
den terror and faintness at the appearance of a horse 
with a terrible rider, richly adorned and clad in 
golden armor, which ran fiercely at Heliodorus and 
struck him with his fore feet, while two young men, 
in rich attire, standing at either side, severely 
scourged him. Heliodorus fell speechless on the 
ground, and was carried out nearly dead, but at the 
prayer of Onias God restored him, and on his return^ 
to the king he gave testimony of the power of God. 
(2 Mac. iii.) 

What became of the good Onias f 
He was deposed from the office of High Priest by. 
the intrigues of his brother Jason, who procured it 
for himself by giving a large sum of money to An-- 
tiochus Epiphanes, successor to Seleucus; but he 
enjoyed his ill-gotten dignity only three years, dur 
ring which he introduced many heathen customg^. 
16 



182 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3597, 

rHe was displaced by the still more impious Mene- 
-laus, brother to the above-mentioned Simon, of the 
tribe of Benjamin. 

What is related of Menelaus ? 
jVIenelaus being reproved by Onias for his sacrile- 
gious robberies and other crimes, procured his mur- 
der ; and then, having no one to check his impiety, 
brought great misery on the people ; but he was, not 
long after, put out of office, for not paying what he 
•stipulated for the dignity, and was succeeded by hia 
equally wicked brother Lysimachus. (2 Mac iv.) 

What civil disturbances arose ahout this time in 
Judea f 

On a false rumor of the death of Antiochus, the 
impious Jason made an attempt to recover the dig- 
nity of High Priest, for which purpose he assembled 
about a thousand followers, and took Jerusalem by 
assault ; but after having killed a great number of 
the inhabitants he was at length compelled to fiy. 

What did Antiochus do on hearing of these events f 
Antiochus hearing what was done, and fearing that 
' the Jews would forsake his alliance, returned out of 
Egypt, where he had been at war, and stormed Jeru« 
•salem, which he took, and spared neither young nor 
■oil, so that in the space of three days he killed 
80,000, made prisoners of 40,000 ; and sold 40,000 
more for slaves. (2 Mac. v.) 

How did 3Ienelans act on that occasion f 
•He led the impious Antiochus into the Temple, who 
sacrilegiously took the sacred vessels in his hands, 
and robbed the treasury of the Temple of 1,800 tal- 
ents. (2 Mac. V.) 

What directions did AntiocJius give the governors 
he appointed in Judea f . > 

To oppress and afflict the people ; and, on his return 
to Antioch, he sent Appolonius, whose hatred of the 
Jews was well known, with an army of 22,000, and 



£48 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 183 

directions to kill all the men and sell all the women 
und children. 

What means did Appolonius take to execute 7ns 
truel orders f 

pretending peace, he went to Jerusalem, and there, 
waited until the Sabbath, when he armed his sol- 
diers, and killed a great multitude without opposi- 
tion ; for the Jews, through respect for the Sabbath, 
suifered themselves to be killed without making any 
resistance. 

CHAPTER LXXIX. 

MARTYRDOM OF ELEAZER AND OF THE SEVEN MACHABEES. 

What fiLTther marks of hatred did Antiochus give ? 
He commenced a furious persecution on account of 
religion, placed an idol in the Temple, defiled the 
altar, put a great number to death, who refused to 
conform to the superstitions of the heathens, and 
struck such universal terror, that many had not for- 
titude to profess their religion, and apostatized, while 
others fled and hid themselves in caves. (1 Mac. i, 
and 2 Mac. vi.) 

Relate some particvlars of that persecution f 
Among the most remarkable persons who suffered 
martyrdom during it, was Eleazer, one of the chief 
Bcribes, who was ninety years of age, beloved and 
venerated by all for his great piety. In the heat of 
the persecution, some of his friends, through mis- 
taken pity, endeavored to induce him to elude the 
edict of Antiochus, by eating lawful meat under 
pretence that it was swine's flesh, which was forbid- 
den by the law of Moses ; but he generously refused, 
saying that it would ill become him at his age to 
dissemble, and for the preservation of a corruptible 
life, to scandalize the young, and bring on himself 
the inevitable judgment of God, whilst, by suffering 



184 L'ATECHISM OF [A. M. 3852. 

death courageously, he would prove his fidelity to 
God, and leave to his brethren an example of forti- 
tude. 

What foUoived f 
He was immediately led to execution, and, when 
about to expire, prayed in these words, " Lord, 
who hast the holy knowledge, thou knowest mani- 
festly that whereas I might be delivered from death, 
I suffer grievous pains in body, but in soul am well 
content to suffer these things because I fear thee." 

What other distinguished jpersons suffered mar^ 
tyrdom about the same time ? 

geven brothers, usually called the Machabees, and 
their mother ; Antiochus presided at their trial, and 
used every effort to shake their constancy. Begin- 
ning with the eldest, he had him cruelly tortured 
and finally put to death in presence of his mother 
and brethren : he acted towards the rest in like 
manner, until only the youngest remained, the mother 
animating and courageously exhorting them, all the 
time, to persevere. 

What is said of the tyrant ? 
The tyrant exasperated at their constancy, resolved 
to overcome the youngest, and for that purpose, 
omitted neither caresses nor threats ; he promised 
to make him his friend, to enrich and load him with 
honors, and confirmed his promises with an oath; 
but seeing him still unshaken, he desired his mo- 
ther to prevail on him to save his life by complying. 

What did she do? . . 

She, endued with fortitude from God, bent towards 
her last surviving child, and, in the most tender and 
pathetic manner, exhorted him to enliven his faith 
and confidence in God, to despise the threats or 
promises of a mortal man, and to imitate the glori- 
ous example of his brethren, that so she might have 



/47 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORT. 1 85 

the consolation of receiving them all in a glorious 
immortality. 

What did he cry out to the executioners f 
Whilst she continued to exhort him, he cried out to 
the executioners, ** For whom do you wait, I will 
not obey the king, but I will obey the law of Grod, 
and offer my life for it like my brethren, who now, 
after undergoing a short pain, are in possession of 
eternal life." Antiochus, greatly incensed, added 
new torments to those inflicted on his brethren, 
which the young man endured with equal constancy^ 
and like them, attained the crown of martyrdom. 
Then the admirable mother, after witnessing the 
martyrdom of her seven sons, was found worthy of a 
like crown, and was united to them in eternal life. 
(2 Mac. vii.) 

Ill ivhat other loay did Antiochus manifest his 
hatred of the Jewish religion f 
He destroyed the sacred writings, and put those to 
death with whom they were discovered. (1 Mac. 
i. 69.) 

What remarJcahle declaration did the youngest of 
the Machabees maize when about to die f 
That the wickedness of the nation was the cause of 
God sending that scourge on them for their chastise- 
ment, but not for their utter destruction. (2 Maa 
vii. 33.) 

CHAPTEK LXXX. 

HISTORY OP THE ASAMONEAN FAMILY. MATHATHIAS. 

Whom did God raise to assist his people ? 
A holy priest named Mathathias, who with his fami- 
ly and kindred determined to die rather than re- 
nounce their fidelity to God. Leaving Jerusalem, 
he retired to his native city, Modin, but the perse- 
16* 



186 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3853. 

cutors arriving there soon after, he being a ruler in 
the city, was called on to give an example of com- 
pliance to his fellow-citizens. This he steadfastly 
refused, and being transported with zeal, slew an 
Israelite who had just come to sacrifice to an idol, 
threw down the altar, killed the officer who had caused 
the man's apostacy ; and calling on all who were 
zealous for the law of God to follow him, fled to the 
mountains, whero being joined by a great number^ 
he soon found that he had sufficient force to attack 
the enemy, of whom he slew a great many, put more 
to flight, and preserved those who were zealous for 
the law in comparative peace to the end of his life. 
(1 Mac. ii.) 

What instructions did lie give Ms children when he 
teas near death ? 

He exhorted them to be faithful observers of the 
law of God, and willingly to sacrifice their lives, if 
necessary in its defence, he reminded them of the 
covenant God made with their forefathers, and the 
repeated miracles he had performed on behalf of 
those who were faithful to him ; he cautioned them 
not to fear the words of sinful man, w^ho to-day is 
and to-morrow will have returned to the earth 
whence he came. MAthathias then appointed Simon 
adviser of his brethren, for he was endued with the 
spirit of counsel, and named Judas Machabeus, who 
was valiant from his youth, general of the army. 
(1 Mac. ii. 49.) 

How many sons had Mathathias? 
Five ; Judas, who succeeded him in the government, 
(1 Mac. iii.^) Eleazar, who was crushed in battle 
by an elephant, which he slew, thinking that An- 
tiochus Eupator was on it, and hoping by his death 
to terminate the evils of his country, (1 Mac. vi. 4o,) 
John who was treacherously killed by the childrei 
of Zamri, (1 Mac. ix. 36.) Jonathan and Simoi 



147 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 187 

(1 Mac. xiii. 8,) who successively governed JuJa 
with wisdom and piety, restored the strict observ- 
ance of religion as prescribed by Moses, made their 
coun^.ry respected among nations, and formed leagues 
of friendship with the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians 
and Asiatics. 

How did AntiocJius EpipJianes act tcJien he heard 
of the victories gained hg Judas Ilachaheus over his 
generals f 

He immediately set out for Judea, vowing to mako 
Jerusalem a grave for the Jews, and resolving to re- 
venge on them the disgrace of a defeat he received 
in Persia. But God checked his pride. Falling 
from his chariot, which in his excessive anger he had 
driven with the greatest violence, he was so much 
hurt that he had to be carried in a litter ; and God 
at the same time struck him with a painful incurable 
distemper, worms swarmed from his body which 
emitted such a stench that it became intolerable to 
himself and to the whole army. 

What did he then do? 
Then entering into himself, he acknowledged the 
power of God and his just judgment, and begged for 
his life, promising to treat the Jews with clemency, 
and even to confer dignities on them, to adorn the 
Temple which before he had robbed, to become a Jew 
himself, and to go through the world proclaiming the 
power of God. But his sorrow being extorted only 
by pain came not from the heart, and was not ac- 
cepted, which should teach us that repentance de- 
ferred to the last hour though accompanied with all 
the verbal protestations of Antiochus, is not to dq 
relied on. 



J 88 CATECHISM OF [A. M. 3853, 

CHAPTEE LXXXI. 

MATHATHTAS IS SUCCEEDED IN THE GOVERNMENT BY 
HIS &0N JUDAS MACHABEUS. 

What teas the first care of Judas Machaheus after 
he had driven the enemy from his country f 
He repaired and refurnished the Temple, erected a 
new altar of holocausts, carefallj collected the sacred 
writings whkh were scattered during the war, and 
caused the sacrifices and other observances to be 
resumed. He also fortified Mount Sion. (2 Mac. x.) 

In ivhat manner did Judas Machaheus usually p7^e^ 
pare for battle f 

.By prayer, fasting, and mortification, which procured 
him the blessings and manifest protection of God, 
enabling him on several occasions with a few soldiers 
to defeat the great armies that came against him. 
(2 Mac. ii. 14.) 

On ivhat occasion did Judas Machabcus procure 
sacrifice to he offered for the dead? 
After a signal victory he had gained over Antiochus 
Eupator's general, having come to bury some of his 
soldiers who were killed in battle, he discovered un- 
der their clothes the donaries of idols, and seeing 
that their death was in punishment of that sin, (for 
the Jews were strictly prohibited by God to keep 
any thing belonging to idolatrous worship,) he, and 
the survivors united in earnest supplication to God 
for their forgiveness, and making a collection, Judas 
Machabeus sent 12,000 drachms of silver to Jeru- 
salem to have sacrifice offered for them (2 Mac. xii.) 

Note. — Antiochus Eupator was the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, 
and left, by him when he went into Persia, under the guardian- 
ship of Lysias the Regent, who had him proclaimed king on his 
father's death Both were put to death some time after by order 
of Demetrius, who claimed the throne on a claim pria>' to Eupa- 
tor's, and being joined by a number of followers, succeeded. 



Ui ^. C] SCRIFTUKE HISTORY. 3^y 

WJiat remarh does Holy ScTij)ture TYiahe on thai 
act of Judas MacJiabeus f 

Tiiat he " thought well and religiously concerning 
the resurrection," and "that it is a holy and whole- 
some thought to pray for the dead that they may be 
loosed from their sins." 

After Judas Macliabeus had governed Juda, and 
prevailed over the enemies of his country for three 
years, lohat wicked person caused fresh miseries in 
the kingdom^? 

Alcimus, a priest, who, being ambitious of the High 
Priesthood, went to King Demetrius at the head of 
a number of persons devoted to his interest, accused 
Judas and his brethren, and so incensed Demetrius 
against them, that he sent him with a great army 
commanded by Bacchides, one of his generals, to 
execute vengeance on the Jews, and establish him 
High Priest. 

Hoiu did Alcimus then act? 
Alcimus, supported by an army, did what he could 
to maintain his ill-gotten dignity ; but finding that 
Judas prevailed, notwithstanding all his exertions, 
he went back to the king and procured a greater 
army with Nicanor, a powerful man, and a great 
enemy of the Jews to command it. (2 Mac. xiv.) 

Hoio did Nicanor act on entering Judea f 
At first, awed by the valor and boldness of the Jews, 
he thought it prudent to make terms of peace, which 
were accepted ; and for some time Judas and he 
were on friendly terms, at which Alcimus was dis- 
pleased, and accused him to Demetrius as attached 
to foreign interests, which so incensed Demetrius 
that he commanded Nicanor to break the league 
immediately, and send Judas prisoner to Antioch. 

What is then related of Judas f 
At their next interview, Judas perceiving that evil 
^as intended, withdrew, and concealed himself; but 



190 CATECHISM OJF [A. M. 3855. 

Nicanor resolved to execute his commission, left notb 
ing undone to discover him, and suspecting that the 
priests had some part in concealing him, imperiously 
commanded them to deliver him up. On their de- 
claring that they knew not where he was, Nicanoj 
stretched out his hand to the Temple, and swore that 
if they would not deliver up Judas to him, he would 
break the altar, and dedicate the Temple to Bacchus, 
on returning from the battle which he then pro- 
claimed against the Jews. (2 Mac. xiv.) 

What ivas the result of that battle ? 
Judas was victorious, Nicanor's immense army being 
put to flight, and himself slain in the first onset. His 
head was carried to Jerusalem by command of Judas; 
and the hand which he had impiously stretched out 
against the Temple was hanged up opposite to it. 
The kingdom of Juda, after this, enjoyed peace, un- 
til Alcimus, by fresh intrigues, obtained from Deme- 
trius another army under the command of Bacchides. 
(1 Mac. ix. and 2 Mac. xv.) 

What teas the resiilt of the battle fought between 
Judas and Bacchides? 

Bacchides was victorious. The men of Juda, forget- 
ful of the victories God had given them over armies 
as numerous, yielded to discouragement, and sought 
their individual safety by flight, until only 800 re-^ 
mained, who vainly endeavored to dissuade Judas 
from engaging, but though greatly dispirited, he was 
resolved to hazard the battle, saying, " If our tin^) 
be come let us die manfully for our brethren." And 
encouraging his little troop, the battle commenced, 
which was fought hard from morning until evening. 
Many fell on both sides, and among the rest, to the 
inexpressible grief of the whole nation, Judas was 
Blain. (1 Mac. ix.) 

How did Alcimus end his wiclced life f 
He died in great torment of palsy with which God 



145 A. C] SCKIPTURE HISTORY. 101 

struck him whilst he was engaged in destroying the 
works of the prophets, after having thrown down 
part of the walls of the Temple. (1 Mac. ix.) 

CHAPTER LXXXII. 

JUDAS MACHABEUS SUCCEEDED BY HIS BROTHERS 
JONATHAN AND SIMON. 

Whom did the Jews elect to govern them in place 
of Judas Machabeus? 

His brother Jonathan, who was equally devoted to 
the interests of religion. He overcame Bacchides 
twice, and then made a treaty with him ; after which, 
the kingdom of Juda enjoyed peace for nearly four- 
teen years. Kings sought the friendship of Jona- 
than. Demetrius and Alexander, (son of Antiochus,) 
rivals for the kingdom, vied with each other in honor- 
ing him ; and the latter conferred on him the High 
Priesthood. (1 Mac. x. 21.) 

What first disturbed this peace ? 
Demetrius, being killed in a battle with Alexander, 
was succeeded by his son Demetrius, who appointed 
Apollonius, the known enemy of the Jews, his gene- 
ral. At the head of a large army, he entered Judea, 
determined to make it tributary, but was defeated 
by Jonathan, and the remnant of his army obliged 
to fly. After Alexander's death, Demetrius became 
Jonathan's ally, though not a sincere one. 

On occasion of a revolt in Antioch, what did 
he do f 

On occasion of a revolt in Antioch, he sent to him 
to request he would assist in quelling it, promising 
in return to remove those of his subjects who held 
the castle of Jerusalem and other strong places 
whence they annoyed the peaceable inhabitants ; but 
when Jonathan had succeeded in restoring Demo- 



192 CATECHISM or [A. M. ^862, 

trius to the peaceable possession of Lis throne in- 
stead of a reward lie received great annoyance from 
him. (1 Mac. x. and xi.) 

With whom did Jonathan renew treaties of peace 
and friendship f 
With the Romans and Lacedemonians. 

By what means was the peace of the kingdom 
again disturhed ? 

By the intrigues of an ambitious man named Try- 
phon, who was originally of king Alexander's party, 
after whose death he joined Demetrius; but per- 
ceiving that he was unpopular, left him, and pro- 
cured the young Antiochus, son of Alexander, to be 
proclaimed king ; he next desired the sovereignty 
for himself, but, through fear of Jonathan, durst not 
attempt anything against the young Antiochus, who, 
as well as his father, was an ally of the Jews. Try- 
phon therefore determined to remove Jonathan, and 
entered Judea with a considerable army, but finding 
Jonathan prepared to meet him, he had recourse to 
treachery, and under pretence of friendship got him 
into his power, and made him prisoner. (1 Mac. 
xii.) 

JSoio did Jonathan's brother Simon act when ho 
heard of Tryphon^s treachery f 

He went to Jerusalem, assembled the people, and 
offered himself as their leader in place of his brother, 
which offer they joyfully accepted, and promised him 
obedience. 

What was Simon's first care on heing appointed 
Sigh Priest and judge f 

He fortified Jerusalem, finished its walls, and placed 
a garrison in Joppa. 

How did Tryphon act when he undei^stood thai 
Simon prepared for war with him ? 
He sent messengers to him to say that he detained 
Jonathan because he owed money to the king \ and 



147 A. C] SCRIPTUKJE HISTORY. ' 193 

that he would liberate him on condition that Simon 
would pay one hundred talents of silver, and send 
Jonathan's two sons to him as hostages, to secure 
that their father would not revolt when set at liberty. 

Did Simon helieve Mm ? 
No ; but nevertheless he was constrained to yield to 
Tryphon's demand, lest the people should murmur, 
supposing Jonathan lost, because the money and 
children were not delivered for him. (1 Mac. xiii.) 

Hoio did Tryphon act luhen he got the children 
and money into Ms possession f 
He would not liberate the father, and entered into 
the country intending to lay it waste, but being 
every where prevented by Simon, he slew Jonathan 
with his two sons ; and returning home soon after, 
made himself king in place of the young Antiochus, 
whom he treacherously murdered. 

How long did Simon govern the Tcingdom ofJudaf 
About nine years, during which he completed what 
his father and brothers had begun for the good of 
the kingdom, repaired and rebuilt what had been 
destroyed by the wars in Jerusalem, restored the 
city and Temple nearly to their ancient splendor, 
renewed the treaties of friendship and alliance that 
were made with the Romans and Greeks, success- 
fully opposed all invaders of his country, adminis- 
tered justice impartially, and established the kingdom 
in peace. 

How did Simon end Ms life ? 
He was murdered with two of his sons by the con- 
trivance of Ptolemy, his son-in-law, who committed 
this act through the ambitious desire of governing 
(1 Mac. xvi.) 
17 



194 ' CATECHISM OF [A. M. 4000. 



CHAPTEK LXXXIII. 

SIMON bUCCEEDED BY HIS SON JOHN HYRCANUS CON- 
CLUSION OF THE HISTORY. 

Which of Siraon^s sons succeeded him f 
John, surnamed Hyrcanus, whom his father had ap- 
pointed general of the army during his lifetime ; he 
dwelt at Gazara, and got notice of the murder of his 
father and brothers in time to guard against the 
treachery of Ptolemy, who sought his life also. He 
was as valiant and pious as the other members of his 
family, and distinguished himself while his father 
still lived by a victory over a great army sent by 
Antiochus (son of Demetrius) to invade Judea. 

How long did John Hyrcanus govern the kingdom f 
About thirty-one years. Soon after coming to the 
government he capitulated with Antiochus to raise 
the siege of Jerusalem ; after which he subdued the 
neighboring nations which had harassed the Jews. 
He destroyed the schismatical temple, already alluded 
to, which, two hundred years before, was built by 
Sanballat on Mount Gerizim. (Josephus, Book I-, 
chap. 2.) 

Who succeeded John Hyrcanus? 
His son Aristobulus, who, wishing to change the form 
of government, placed a crown on his head, being the 
first who did so from the time of the Babylonian cap 
tivity. He reigned only one year, and was odious 
for cruelty to his family, having murdered his mother 
and one of his brothers. He was succeeded by ^ 
brother Alexander Jannaeus, who died after an un 
quiet reign of twenty-seven years, and left two sons, 
Hyrcanus and Aristobulus. (Josephus, Book L, c. 3 
and 4.) 

To whom did Alexander leave the sovereign poicer? 
To Alexandra his queen. She reigned nine years. 



138 A. C] SCRIPTURE HISTORY. I95 

and caused her elder son Hyrcanus to be made High 
Priest. After her death, the younger son Aristobu- 
lus, who was of a bold active disposition, disputed the 
sovereignty with Hyrcanus, vj^ho was a quiet, unam- 
bitious person, and after a contest, in which Aristo- 
bulus was victorious, they made an agreement, con- 
firmed by oath, that Aristobulus should reign, and 
Hyrcanus retire to his estate. 

What disturbed the harmony which then existed 
hetween the ^'others ? 

An Idumean named Antipater possessed of consider- 
able wealth and influence in his own country, and a 
friend to Hyrcanus, never ceased to represent to him 
that his life was in danger from Aristobulus, and that 
he was unjustly deprived of his birthright until he 
induced him to apply for foreign aid, and so involved 
the nation in war. 

What is said of the Romans f 
The Romans at length restored Hyrcanus to his dig- 
nity, made Aristobulus prisoner, and appointed Herod, 
Antipater's son, Tetrarch of Gralilee, and afterwards 
king. By the transgression of the law which pro- 
hibited the Jews having u king of any but Jewish 
race, two remarkable prophecies were fulfilled, one 
which foretold that Esau (Edom) would shake ofi" his 
brother's yoke ; and the other, that the sceptre de- 
parting from Juda was to be the immediate prelude 
to the coming of the Messiah. 



NEW TESTAMENT. 



CHAPTEK I. 



fHE INCARNATION OF OUR DIVINE LORD VISIT OF THB 

BLESSED VIRGIN TO ST. ELIZABETH. A. M. 4000. 

How long after the fall of our first parents did 
Jesus Christ hecome man f 
A.bout four thousand years. 

Of what lineage was he ? 
Of the tribe of Juda, and family of David ; his mo- 
ther was Mary, the ever blessed Virgin, foretold by 
Isaias ; his reputed father was Joseph, the holy spouse 
of the Virgin Mary, by trade a carpenter ; their resi- 
dence, previous to our Lord's birth, was Nazareth. 

What circumstances attended the incarnation of 
our Divine Lord? 

" The angel Gabriel was sent by God into a city of 
G-alilee, called JSTazareth, to a virgin espoused to a 
man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, 
and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel 
being come in, said unto her. Hail, full of grace, the 
Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, 
Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and 
thought with herself what manner of salutation this 
should be." 

What did the angel say to her ? 
"And the angel said to her. Fear not, Mary, for thou 
hast found grace with God ; behold thou shalt con- 
ceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son, and 
thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great 
and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and 
1*^* 19t 



198 CATECHISM OF 

the Lord God shall give him the throne of David his 
father_, and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for 
ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." 

What did Mary reply f 
"And Mary said to the angel, How shall this be 
done, because I know not man ? And the angel an- 
swering said to her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon 
thee, and the power of the Most High shall over- 
shadow thee, and therefore also the Holy which shall 
be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.'' 
(Luke i.) 

Hoio did the Blessed Virgin express her consent? 
** Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto 
me according to thy word." 

Of what did the angel inform the Blessed Virgin 
on that occasion ? 

That her cousin, St. Elizabeth, already far advanced 
in years, would also give birth to a son, and that this 
was the sixth month with her ; on hearing which the 
Blessed Virgin Mary went to visit her, and remained 
with her about three months. 

Hoio did St. Elizabeth receive the visit of her holy 
relative f 

"With great joy, acknowledging her great un worthi- 
ness to entertain so great a guest, on hearing whose 
salutation she was endowed with the spirit of pro- 
phecy, and her unborn son endued with reason. 

What did St. Elizabeth say to the Blessed Vir^ 
gin on that occasion? 

" Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the 
fruit of thy womb ; and whence is this to me that the 
mother of my Lord should come to me ?" 

How did the Blessed Virgin reply f 
" My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath 
rejoiced in God my Saviour, because he hath re- 
garded the humility of his handmaid, for behold 
from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 199 

Because he that is mighty hath clone great things to 
me, and holy is his name, and his mercy is from 
generation to generation to them that fear him. He 
nath showed might in his arm, he hath dispersed the 
proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath 
deposed the mighty from their seat and hath exalted 
the humble; he hath filled the hungry with good 
things, and the rich he hath sent away empty. He 
hath received Israel his child, being mindful of his 
mercy ; as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and 
his seed for ever." 

CHAPTEE II. 

THE BIRTH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

Who teas St Elizabeth? 
She was wife to a holy priest, named Zachary, and 
was also herself descended from Aaron. 

What remarhahle circumstances preceded and at'^ 
tended the birth of their son ? 

Whilst Zachary, in the exercise of his ministry, 
offered incense in the Temple, the angel Gabriel ap- 
peared, standing at the right side of the altar of in- 
cense, and announced to him that his wife should 
give birth to a son, whom he should call John ; that 
he would be filled with the Holy Grhost from his 
birth, would convert many of the children of Israel 
to the Lord, and go before him in the ^irit and 
power of Elias. 

What did the angel say to Zachary on his ex2')ress' 
ing incredulity ? 

On Zachary' s expressing incredulity, the angel told 
him that he should lose the use of speech and re- 
main dumb until the fulfilment of the prophecy ; he 
immediately lost the power of utterance, and con- 
tinued dumb until his son, at circumcision, received 
the name foretold by the angel. 



200 CATECHISM OF 

Repeat the canticle of ZacTiary on recovering ths 
use of Ms speech ? 

"Blessed be tlie Lord Grod of Israel, because he 
hath visited and wrought the redemption of his peo- 
ple, and hath raised up a horn of salvation to us in 
the house of David his servant, as he spoke by the 
mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the begin- 
iDg. Salvation from our enemies and from the hand 
of all that hate us. To show mercy to our fathers 
and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which 
he swore to Abraham our father that he would grant 
to us ; that being delivered from the hand of our 
enemies, we may serve him without fear, in holiness 
and justice before him all our days. And thou, 
child, shall be called the prophet of the highest, for 
thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to pre- 
pare his ways ; to give knowledge of salvation to 
his people unto the remission of their sins, through 
the bowels of the mercy of our Grod, in which the 
Orient from on high hath visited us ; to enlightei? 
them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, 
to direct our feet in the way of peace." 

Where did St. John pass his youth f 
In the desert, until the time for commencing his 
mission had arrived, when he got the surname of 
Baptist from his office. He was the precursor of ouf 
Lord, foretold by Isaias. 

What hind of life did he lead? 
One of retirement, prayer, and mortification. His 
food was locusts and wild honey ; his garment was 
of camel's hair, fastened by a leathern girdle. 

CHAPTEK III. 

THE BIRTH OF OUR DIVINE LORD. 

Did the Blessed Virgin inform St. Joseph of tJiA 
xconderful dignity to which God had raised her ? 



SrmPTURE HISTORY. . 201 

No, she no^^er spoke of what might tend to her own 
commendation. 

How was the mystery of the incarnation made 
htown to him ^ 

Hj an angel sent by God for that purpose, who re- 
moved liis anxiety respecting the appearance of his 
holy spouse, and told him he should give the name 
of Jesus to the Holy One who would be born of her. 

Where was our Blessed Lord horn ? 
In Bethlehem, as foretold by Micheas. 

What circumstance caused the Blessed Virgin 
St. Joseph to go to Bethlehem f 
The E-oman emperor Augustus published an edict 
commanding all to repair to the cities of their re- 
spective families in order to be enrolled, on which 
Mary and Joseph being descendants of David re- 
paired to his city Bethlehem. Unable to procure a 
lodging on their arrival, the inn being full, they re- 
tired to a stable, where Mary brought forth the Re- 
deemer of the world, and laid him in a manger. 

At what season of the year was our Blessed Lord 
horn f 

In the depth of winter, the 25th of December, and 
at night. 

Who were the first adorers of the infant Saviour ? 
Poor shepherds, who were at the time keeping the 
night watches over their flocks. 

How was his hirth made known to them ? 

" An angel of the Lord stood by them, and the 
brightness of Grod shone round about them, and they 
feared with a great fear. And the angel said to 
them, Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings 
of great joy, that shall be to all the people ; for this 
day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, 
in the city of David ; and this shall be a sign to 
you, you shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling 
clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there 



202 CATECHlbM OF 

was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly 
army, praising God and saying, glory to God in 
the highest, and on earth peace to men of good 
will." 

What did the shepherds as soon as the angels diS" 
appeared f 

They went with haste to Bethlehem, where they found 
all things as the angel had told them, for which they 
glorified and praised God. 

Repeat Isaias^s prophecy of our Lord's nativity f 
"Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and 
his name shall be called Emmanuel. * * * A, 
child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the 
government is upon his shoulder ; and his name shall 
be called Wonderful^ Counsellor, God the Mighty, 
the Father of the icorld to come, the Prince of Peace^ 
(Is. vii. 14, ix. 6.) 

When ivas the saving name of Jesus given our 
Divine Lord? 

Eight days after his birth, when he was circumcised. 
This ceremony is commemorated by the Church on 
the first of January. 

What do the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul say 
of the holy name of Jesus f 

St. Peter says, "There is no other name under 
heaven given to man, whereby we must be saved." 
(Actsiv. 12.) And St. Paul, "He humbled him- 
self, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death 
of the cross ; for which reason God also hath exalted 
him, and hath given him a name which is above all 
names ; that in the name of Jesus every knee should 
bow, of those that are m heaven, on earth, and under 
the earth, and that every tongue should confess that 
the Lord Jesus Chnst is in the glory of God the 
Father." (Phil. ii. 8.) 



SCRIPTUEE msTORr. 203 

CHAPTEK lY. 
0UR saviour's birth made known to the gentiles 

BY A STAR. 

Hoio ivas our Saviour^ s hirth made known to tli^ 
gentiles ? 

1^J a star^ whose guidance certain wise men, or as 
they are sometimes designated kings, followed from 
the East, until they reached Jerusalem, where it dis- 
appeared. Entering the royal city, they thought 
their journey at an end, and directing their steps to 
the palace, inquired, " Where is he that is born King 
of the Jews, for we have seen his star in the East 
and are come to adore him." 

How did 1dm rj Herod act when he Jieo.rd this in- 
guiry, which ti'oubled not only him hut all Jerusalem? 
He assembled the chief priests and scribes, and in- 
quired of them where Christ should be born, who 
answered, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is writ- 
ten by the prophet." Then Herod sending the wise 
men to Bethlehem, desired them to seek diligently 
for the child, and when they had found him, to bring 
him word that he also might go and adore him. 

Hoio did the tvise men discover the house in which 
our Blessed Lord was f 

As soon as they resumed their journey the star re- 
appeared to their great joy, and went before them 
until it conducted them to where the child was, and 
entering into the house they found the child with 
Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him, 
and opening their treasures, offered him gifts, gold, 
frankmcense, and myrrh. 

What teas HerodJs motive in desiring the wise 
men to bring him intelligence concerning the child? 
To destroy him, lest he should deprive him of his 
kingdom. But his malicious designs were frustrated, 



204 CATECHISM OF 

for tlie wise men were admonished in sleep not ta 
retarn to him, and they went back by another road 
to their own country. 

What mystical signification is attached to the 
offerings j)'^^esentecl hy the icise men f 
The offering of myrrh is considered by interpreters 
as an acknowledgment of the humanity of Christ, on 
account of myrrh being used in embalming th© 
bodies of the dead and therefore implying mortality , 
it is also a figure of mortification, as incense is of 
prayer, and gold of charity. 

By ichat name is the feast knoiun ivhich commemo- 
rates the adoration of the wise men, and when is it 
celebrated ? 

It is known by the name of the Epiphany, and is 
celebrated on the sixth of January. 

CHAPTEK V. 

THE PURIFICATION OP THE BLESSED VIRGIN, AND THE 
PRESENTATION OF OUR DIYINE LORD. 

With icJiat rite of the Mosaic law did the Blessed 
Virgin Mary comply on the fortieth day after the 
birth of our Lord? 

Her own purification, and her divine son's presenta- 
tion to his eternal father in the temple. 

What sacrifice did she offer on that occasion ? 
That prescribed for the poor, a pair of turtle doves, 
or two young pigeons. 

What holy persons achnoicledged our Lord on his 
presentation f 

A holy old man, named Simeon, and Anna a pro- 
phetess. The former had received a promise from 
God, that he should not die until he had seen Christ , 
and the latter served day and nig/it in the temple, 
in prayer and fasting. 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 205 

Repeat the canticle of Simeon on seeing the infant 
Jesus, and tahing him into his arms f 
" Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, Lord, ac- 
cording to thy word in peace ; because my eyes have 
seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before 
the face of all people ; a light to the revelation of 
the gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." 

What icords did Simeon address to the holy mother 
of Jesus ? 

" Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the 
resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which 
shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword 
shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may 
be revealed." 

How do you understand the first part of this pro- 
phecy f 

Simeon here prophesies what would come to pass, 
that many, through their own wilful blindness and 
obstinacy, would not believe in Christ, nor receive 
liis doctrine, that therefore he would become by their 
abuse of his grace a cause of ruin to them ; but to 
others a resurrection by their believing in him and 
obeying his commandments. 

On ichat day does the Church commemorate the 
purification of tli-e Blessed Virgin Mary, and the 
presentation of our Lord? 

On the second of February, on which day tapers arc 
blessed and distributed to the faithful, who hold 
them lighted in their hands during the gospel and 
until the communion, in honor of Christ who is the 
true light, and who is called by holy Simeon, "a 
light," &c. 
18 



206 CATOCHISM OF 

CHAPTEK YI. 

THE MASSACRE OE THE HOLY INNOCENTS, THE FLIGHT 
OE OUR DIVINE LORD INTO EGYPT, AND HIS RETURN. 

How did Herod act icJien he perceived thai *he 
wise men had deluded him f 

He most cruelly caused all the male children in 
Bethlehem and its vicinity, who were two years old 
and under, to be put to death. 

How did our Blessed Lord escape f 
An angel appeared in sleep to St. Joseph, after the 
departure of the wise men, and said, "Arise, take 
the child and his mother and fly into Egypt, and be 
there until I shall tell thee ; for it will come to pass 
that Herod will seek the child to destroy him." St. 
Joseph immediately arose and took the child and his 
mother that night and retired to Egypt, where he 
remained until Herod's death. 

Hoiv many years did the Holy Family reside m 
Egypt? ^ 
About eight years, as is generally supposed. 

How did they know lohen to return f 
An angel appeared in sleep to St. Joseph in Egypt^ 
informed him of Herod's death, and desired him to 
take the child and his mother back to the land of 
Israel. He did so immediately, but hearing that 
Archelaus, Herod's son, reigned in Judea, he was 
afraid to go thither, and being admonished in sleep 
went to Galilee. 

In lohat city did he fix his residence? 
In Nazareth, that the prediction of the prophets 
might be fulfilled in our Lord, viz., that he should be . 
called a Nazarite. 

How did our Blessed Lord spend his time at 
Nazareth ? 
It is supposed that he worked at St. Joseph's trade. 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 207 

The Evangelists make no special mention of what 
he did until his baptism, except that, when he was 
twelve years of age, his parents took him to Jerusa- 
lem according to their custom to celebrate the pasch, 
and on their return he remained behind, which they 
did not discover until they had gone a day's journey : 
and after seeking him for three days, they found :.im 
in the Temple in the midst of the doctors, hearing 
them and asking them questions, his wisdom being 
the astonishment of all. 

What did his mother say to him on that occa- 
sion f 

" Son, why hast thou done so to us, behold thy father 
and I have sought thee sorrowing." To which he 
replied, "How is it that you sought me, did you 
not know that I must be about my Father's busi- 
ness." Then returning with them to Nazareth he 
was subject to them, and as the Evangelist adds, he 
advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace, with God 
and men. 

What would our Blessed Lord have us learn from 
his example in these particidars ? 
To be humble and obedient, and continually to ad- 
vance in the way of virtue. 

Did the wisdom of our Divine Lord admit of in^ 
crease? 

No ; but he made it more manifest as he advanced 
in age. The Evangelist, in saying that he ad- 
vanced, only accommodated himself to our mode of 
speech. 

CHAPTEK VII. 

THE BAPTISM OF OUR DIVINE LORD, THE PREACHINa 
AND MARTYRDOM OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

W here did Si. John Baptist open his mission f 
In the desert of Judea, and he prepared himself for 



208 CATECHISM OP 

the iniportant object by prayer, fasting, and retire- 
ment. 

What was the subject of his preaching f 
*'T)o penance, for the kingdom of heaven is al 
hand." 

Did many resort to his instructions f 
Yes, great multitudes, whom he baptised in tha 
Jordan. 

What opinion had the people of St. John f 
That he was a great prophet ; some even doubted 
whether he were not the Messiah. 

What did St. John say ichen asJced hy the Phart^ 
sees to give cm account of himself? 
*' I am the voice of one crying in the wihlerness, 
make straight the way of the Lord." 

What answer did he give when they further asJced^ 
*'Why then dost thou baptise ^ if thou he not Christ, 
nor EliaSj nor the prophet. ^^ 

" I baptise with water ; but there hath stood one in 
the midst of you, whom you know not. The same 
is he that shall come after me, who is preferred be- 
fore me ; the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy 
to loose." 

What did St. John Baptist when he saio our 
Divine Redeemer coming to he baptised by him f 
He stayed him, saying : "I ought to be baptised by 
thee, and comest thou to me." But on our Lord 
replying, " Suffer it to be so now ; for so it be* 
Cometh us to fulfil all justice," St. John baptised 
him. 

What testimony did our Lord receive from' heaven 
on his being baptised? 

The heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost de- 
scended on him in the form of a dove ; while a voice 
from Heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son 
m whom I am well pleased." 

What did St. John Baptist say wJien he. saw our 



SCKIFTURE HISTORY. 209 

Lord coming towards him on the day after Ms hap" 
tism ? 

*^ Behold the Lamb of God ; behold him who taketh 
away the sins of the world. This is he of whom I 
said, after me there cometh a man who is preferred 
before me, because he was before me and I knew 
him not; but that he may be made manifest iu 

Israel, therefore am I come baptising with water 

[ saw the Spirit coming down as a dove from heaven, 
md he remained upon him ; and I knew him not, but 
he who sent me to baptise with water said to me, 
he upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending 
and remaining upon him, he it is that baptiseth with 
the Holy Ghost ; and I saw and I gave testimony 
that this is the Son of God. (John i. 29 — 34.) 

What did St. John reply to some of his disciples^ 
when on a dispute arising hetween them and the Jews 
concerning purification^ they came to him saying^ 
*' Rahhi, he that teas with thee beyond the Jordan^ to 
whom thou gavest testimony^ behold he baptiseth, and 
all men come to him/^ (though Jesus himself did not 
baptise but his disciples f) 

" A man cannot receive anything unless it be given 
him, from heaven. You yourselves do bear me wit- 
ness that I said I am not Christ, but that I am sent 
before him. He that hath the bride, is the bride- 
groom ; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stand- 
eth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of 
the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is 
fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. 
«:#*## The Father loveth the Son, and he 
hath given all things into his hand. He that be- 
lieveth in the Son hath life everlasting ; but he that 
believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath 
of God abideth in him." 

What happened St. John the Baptist soon after 
this f 

18* 



210 CATECHISM OF 

He was cast into prison by Herod the Tetrarcii, be- 
cause he reproved him for marrying Herodias, hisi 
brother's wife, and he was detained there until 
Herod's birthday, when by the contrivance . of the 
wicked Herodias, he was beheaded. 

What message did St. John tchilst in pin son send 
to our Lord, ivhcn he loas told of the miracles he 
"performed and the fame he had acquired ? 
He sent two of his disciples to ask, " Art thou he 
that art to come, or look we for another." 

What answer did our Divine Lord give? 
" Go and relate to John what you have heard and 
Been ; the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are 
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the pooi 
have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is 
he that shall not be scandalized in me." (Matt, xi 
2, Luke vii. 19.) 

What did our Lord say of St. John Baptist tohen 
his disciples had returned ? 

That amongst those born of women there was not » 
greater prophet than John the Baptist ; that he was 
a prophet and more than a prophet, and of him was 
written, " Behold I send my angel hefore thy face loho 
shall pi^epare thy icay hefore theeP 

Relate the particulars of the martyrdom of St. John 
ike Baptist? 

"Herod made a supper for his birthday for the 
princes and tribunes and chief men of Galilee ; and 
when the daughter of Herodias had come in, and had 
danced, and had pleased Herod and those that werf 
at table with him, the king said to the damsel, Ask 
of me what thou wilt and I will give it thee. Ana 
he swore to her, whatsoever thou shalt ask I will 
give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom." 

Whai didj she say when she icent out ? 
" When she was gone out she said to her mother 
What shall I ask ? But she said, The head of John 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 211 

f-iie Baptist. And when she was come in imme- 
diately with haste to the king, she asked saying, I 
will that forthwith thou give me in a dish the head 
of John the Baptist." 

IVhat is said of the hing f 
**And the king was struck sad, yet because of hi? 
oath, and because of them that were with him at ta- 
ble, he would not displease her; but sending an 
executioner, he commanded that his head should be 
brought in a dish. And he beheaded him in prison, 
and brought his head in a dish, and gave it to the 
damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother.'* 
(Mark vi. 21.) 

CHAPTER YIII. 

OUR DIVINE lord's FAST AND TEMPTATION IN THE 
DESERT. THE OPENING OF HIS MISSION. 

What loas our Lord^s age at haptism f 
Thirty years. 

What did he immediately after baptism ? 
He retired to the desert, where he remained forty 
lays and forty nights, during which he ate nothing. 

Repeat St. Mattheiv^s account of the temptation en- 
hired hy our Divine Lord at the close of his retreat f 
The tempter coming said to him : "If thou be the 
Bon of God, command that these stones be made 
bread. Who answered and said : It is written, Not 
m bread alone doth man live^ but in every word thai 
proceedeth from tlie mouth of God^ 

Then what did the devil do? 
"*■ Then the devil took him up into the holy city and set 
film upon the pinnacle of the Temple, and said to 
him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, 
for it is written. That he hath given his angels charge 
over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, 
lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone, Jesus 



212 CATECHISM OF 

said to him it is written again, Thou sJicdt not temv^ 
the Lord thy GodP 

What did tlie devil again do ? 
'* Again the devil took him np into a very high moun- 
tain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, 
and the glory of them, and said to him, All these 
will I give thee, if falling down thou wilt adore me. 
Then Jesus saith to him. Begone Satan ; for it is 
written, The Lord tliy God shalt thou adore and him 
only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left him, and 
behold angels came and ministered to him." 

Whither did our Lord go ichen the temptation had 
ended f 

To Galilee, where he taught in the Synagogues, and 
his fame spread throughout the country. 

What icas the subject of the first instruction he gave 
in the Synagogue at JSFazaretlif 
That the prophecy of Isaias was that day fulfilled, 
which says, " The spirit of the Lord is upon me. 
Wherefore he hath anointed me to preach the gospel 
to the j)oor ; he hath sent me to heal the contrite of 
heart, to preach deliverance to the captives and sight 
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised^ to 
preach the acceptable year of the Lord and the day 
of reward r 

Why did our Lord leave Nazareth f 
Because the people thought to throw him from the 
brow of the hill on which their city was built 

How did he escape from them? 
The Evangelist only says, that, " passing through tho 
midst of them, he went his way." 

CHAPTEE IX. 

THE CALL m THE APOSTLES, AND CHRIST's FIRST 
MIRACLE. 

Who icere the first disciples of Christ f 
Bt. Andrew and another, whose name is not men- 



^5GKlr'^^BE histt/hy. 213 

fcioned ; these, hearing b.. John Baptist, whose dis- 
ciples they were, say of our Lord, " Behold the Lamb 
of Grod !" immediately followed him. 

Whom did tSt. Andrew bring to our Lord? 
His brother Simoo, telling him that they had found 
the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 

What did our Lord say on seeing Simon f 
** Thou art Simon, the son of Jona, thou shalt be 
called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter." (John i, 
42.) 

Who icere the two next disciples of our Lord f 
James and John, the sons of Zebedee; who on our 
Lord's gracious invitation immediately left all and 
followed him. 

Hov!) ivere they employed when called by onr Lord 9 
Mending their nets in the ship with their father ; for 
they as well as Peter and Andrew were fishernien 
(Mark i. 20.) 

Whom did our Lord call on the following day f 
Philip, who had scarcely attained the knowledge of 
our Lord, when desirous of bringing others to him^ 
he told Nathaniel, "We have found him of whom 
Moses in the law and the prophets did write, Jesus, 
the son of Joseph of Nazareth." On Nathaniel re- 
plying, " Can any good come out of Nazareth ?" 
Philip said, " Come and see." 

Who was Nathaniel f 
A good and holy man, " an Israelite without guile *' 

What testimony did Nathaniel bear to cur Lord? 
That he was the Son of God, the King of Israel. 

Hoiu did our Lord employ himself whilst he re* 
mained in Galilee f 

Preaching in the synagogues, and confirming the 
doctrine he preached by miracles ; he also, during 
his stay there, selected his apostles. 

Note. — Some commentators think that Nathaniel is another 
name for Bartholomew the Apostle. 



214 CATKC^mSM 0* 

Name the apostles? 

Peter, and Andrew, his brother ; James and John ; 
Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; 
James, the son of Alpheus ; and Simon, who is 
called Zelotes ; and Jude, the brother of James ; and 
Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor." (Luke vi 14.) 

Where did our Lord perform his first miracle? 
In Cana, of Gralilee, at the request of his holj 
Mother. 

Relate the history of it ? 
Whilst in Cana, of Gralilee, our Lord was invited, 
with his disciples, to a marriage feast; Mary, his 
mother, was also there. During the entertainment 
the wine failed; the failure was observed by the 
Blessed Virgin, who mentioned it to Jesus, being 
fully aware that to make known a want to him was 
enough to dispose him to supply it. 

What is said of his reply to her request, and what 
did she say ? 

He replied to the request conveyed in her represen- 
tation that his hour was not yet come. Knowing 
that those who trust in him are never confounded, 
and confidently hoping that though his hour was not 
come he would anticipate it, rather than disappoint 
her, she said to the waiters, "Whatsoever he shall 
gay to you, do." 

What did our Lord do ? 
Her hope was not frustrated ; our Divine Lord could 
not overlook the confiding love of his holy Mother, 
the most exalted of his creatures; turning to the 
waiters, he desired them to fill with water six large 
stone pitchers which stood near. They filled to the 
brim. "Draw out now and carry to the chief stew- 
ard," said our Lord. 

What did the chief steward sav? 
They did so, and the chief steward, having tasted 
and not knowing whence the wine came, remon- 



SCKrPTCJRE HISTORY. 21i> 

strated with the bridegroom for having kept the bes* 
wine to the last, instead of producing it at the be- 
ginning of the entertainment. But the waiters who 
had drawn the water knew whence the wine came, 
and the faith of our Lord's disciples was strengthened 
by the evidence of the miracle. 

Whither did our Lord go after this f 
To Caphernaum, a city on the sea coast, in the bor- 
ders of Zabulon and Nephtali, by which was fulfilled 
what was said by the prophet Isaias : " Land of 
Zabulon and Nephtali, the way of the sea beyond the 
Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles ; the people that sat 
in darkness hath seen great light, and to them that 
sat in the region of death light is sprung up." 

CHAPTEE X. 

THE centurion's SERVANT THE WIDOw's SON OF N^IM. 

Relate the miracle performed in Caphernaum hy 
our Lord on the centurion's servant f 
** The servant of a certain centurion, who was dear 
to him, being sick, was ready to die ; and when he 
had heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the ancients 
of the Jews, desiring him to come and heal his ser- 
vant. And when they came to Jesus they besouglit 
him earnestly, saying to him : he is worthy that thou 
shouldst do this for him, for he loveth our nation 
and he built us a synagogue. 

As Jesus approached the housCj lohat did the cen- 
titrion say? 

And Jesus went with them ; and when he was now 
not far from the house, the centurion sent his friends 
to him, saying. Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am 
not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, 
for which cause neither did I think myself worthy to 
come to thee; but say the word and my servant 
shall be healed: for I also am a man subject +.r 



216 CATECHISM Olf 

authority, having under me soldiers, and I say to 
one : go and he goeth ; and to another : come and 
he cometh ; and to my servant, do this, and he 
doeth it. 

On hearing tJiis, ichat did Jesus say f 
Which Jesus hearing, marvelled, and turning about 
to the multitude that followed him, he said : Amen 
I say to you I have not found so great faith, not 
even in Israel. And they who were sent being re- 
turned to the house, found the servant whole who 
had been sick." (Luke vii. 2.) 

Relate the miracle performed hy our Lord soon 
after going into Nairn. 

*' When he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold 
a dead man was carried out, the only son of his 
mother and she was a widow, and a great multitude 
of the city was with her ; whom, when the Lord had 
seen her, being moved with mercy towards her, he 
he said to her : Weep not ; and he came near and 
touched the bier, and they that carried it stood 
still. And he said. Young man, I say to thee, 
arise; and he that was dead sat up and began to 
speak, and he gave him to his mother. And there 
came a fear upon them all, and they glorified God, 
saying, A great prophet has arisen amongst us, and 
Grod hath visited his people." (Luke vii. 11.) 

CHAPTEK XI. 

SERMON ON THE MOUNT. 

Repeat a portion of the discourse hnown as oiC 
IjordJs Sermon on the Mount, which he preached 
from an eminence in the neighborhood of Caphar- 
naum ? 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they 
shall possess the land. Bkssed are they that mourn^ 



jSCKIPTURfi HISTORY. 217 

for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that 
hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have 
their fill. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall 
obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for 
they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers, 
for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed 
are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for 
theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

What did our Lord say in that sermon of die 
perfection required, of Christians f 
"Unless your justice abound more than that of the 
Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the 
kingdom of heaven." 

What teas the nature of the justice^ or righteous- 
ness, lohich the Scribes and Pharisees made profes- 
sion off 

They were most exact observers of the letter of 
the law, and of the entire ceremonial ; they were so 
particular in paying tithes, that they even tithed the 
herbs of their gardens ; they fasted rigorously, made 
long prayers, and bestowed abundant alms. But 
they performed these things ostentatiously, in order 
to gain the reputation of holiness, and they preferred 
themselves before others. 

What lessons of fraternal charity did our Divine 
Lord give in that sermon ? 

That if any of them should remember, when offering 
his gift at the altar, that his brother had any thing 
against Jiim, he should leave there his gift, and go 
first to be reconciled before offering it. That they 
should not swear, nor seek revenge ; but love their 
enemies, do good to them that hate, bless them that: 
curse, and pray for them that persecute and calum- 
niate them. 
J9 



218 CATECHISM OF 

CHAPTER XTT. 

ON PRAYEK. 

In v:hat ^rumncr did our Lord teach his disciplcM 
to pray f 

Without ostentation, and in those words — -'Our 
Fatlier, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name ; 
tliy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth as it 
is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; 
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them who 
trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation 
but deliver us from evil." Amen. 

.7/1 fchat manner should tee pray f 
With great attention and devotion, and in a respect 
ful posture, on bended knees. 

Wlien should ive pray ? 
Every morning and every night, in all dangers, 
temptations, and afflictions ; besides which, in order 
to comply with our Divine Lord's precept, that " we 
ought always pray," we should offer to God all our 
tlioughts, words, and actions, and keep ourselves in 
the state of grace. 

What did our Lord say of prayer as a remedy for 
temptation f 

During his agony in the garden he said lo the apos- 
tles whom he had chosen as witnesses of it, " Pray, 
lest ye enter into temptation." On another occasion 
he said to St. Peter, " Behold, Satan hath desired 
to have thee, that he may sift thee as wheat ; but 1 
have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." (Luke 
xxii. 8L) 

What conditions are necessary to render our p)Tay- 
ers acceptable f 

We must offer them with a contrite and humble 
heart, with fervor and persevei'ance, with confidence 
in God's goodness, with resignation to his will, acd 
in the name of Jesus Christ. 



What dispositions did our xjord exhort his disci 
pies specially to in prayer? 

Faith, and the forgiveness of injuries ; telling them 
that all things they asked with a firm undoubting 
faith should be granted, were it the removal of a 
mountain ; and that, if they forgave the offences of 
others, their heavenly Father would forgive theirs ; 
but if they would not forgive, neither would their 
Father forgive them. 

What parable did our Lord spealc to correct *hose 
ID ho prided themselves on their uprightness and to 
si LOW that humility is a necessary disposition for 
prayer ? 

" Two men went up into the Temple to pray ; the one 
a pharisee, and the other a publican. The pharisee, 
standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give 
thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, ex- 
tortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publi- 
can ; I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that 
I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, 
would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven, 
but struck his breast saying, God_, be merciful to 
me a sinner. I say to you this man went down into 
his house justified rather than the other ; because 
every one that exalteth himself shall be humble<l, 
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.'* 
(Luke xviii.) 

What did our Lord say to exemplify that prayer 
ought to he filial amd confiding f 
" Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, 
nor do they reap, nor gatlier into barns, and your 
Heavenly Father feedeth them : are not you of much 
more value than they ? Be not solicitous, there- 
fore, saying, what shall we eat, or what shall we 
drink, or wherewith sliall we be clothed, for after 
all these tilings do the heathens seek ; for your 
father knoweth that you have need of all these 



220 t.A.TE0mJ5M OF 

things. Seek ye, therefore, first the kingdom of God 
and his justice, and all these things shall be added 

unto you "What man is there among you, of whom, 

if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone ; 
or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a 
serpent ? If you then^ being evil, know how to give 
good gifts to your children, how much more will 
your father who is in heaven give good things to thcnt 
that ask him." (Matt. vi. and vii.) 

CHAPTEE XIII. 

ON PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER. 

Wliat did 0U7' Lord say to slioio his discijyles the 
benefit of perseverance in prayer f 
'' Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to 
him at midnight, and shall say to him, friend, lend 
me three loaves, because a friend of mine is come 
off his journey to me, and I have not what to set 
before him. And he from within should answer and 
say, trouble me not ; the door is now shut and my 
children are with me in bed, I cannot rise and give 
thee. Yet if he shall continue knocking, I say to 
you, although he will not rise and give him because 
he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will 
rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I 
say to you, ask, and it shall be given you ; seek and 
you shall find ; knock and it shall be opened ■ o you." 
(^Luke xi. 5.) 

What miracle did our Lord perform in reward 
of humility and perseverance f 

Our Lord being in the neighborhood of Tyre ani 
Sidon, was met by a woman of Canaan, who cried 
out to him, " Have mercy on me, Lord, thou Son 
of David, my daughter is grievously troubled by a 
devil. Who answered her not a word ; and his dis- 



SCRIPTURE HISTORT. 221 

«iples came and besought him, saying: Send hei 
Away, for she erieth after ns. 

What did lie answer f 
And he answering, said : I was not sent but to the 
sheep that are lost of the house of Israel. But she 
^ame and adored him, saying, Lord, help me. Who 
inswering, said, it is not good to take the bread of 
the children and cast it to the dogs. But she said, 
yea, Lord, for the whelps also eat of the crumbs 
that fall from the table of their masters. Then 
Jesus answering, said to her, woman, great is 
thy faith, be it done to thee as thou wilt. And her 
daughter was cured from that hour." (Matt. xv. 22.) 

What comment does St. John Chrysostom make on 
this miraculous cure f 

Our Blessed Saviour, said he, refused at jSrst to listen 
to the petition of this Canaanean woman, that, by 
her example, he might instruct us with what faith, 
humility, and perseverance we ought to pray. To 
make his servants the more sensible of his mercy, 
and the more eager to obtain it, he often seems 
to pay no attention to their prayers until he has 
exercised them in the virtues of humility and pa- 
tience. 

What instruction did our Lord give in his Ser^ 
mon on the Ifount respecting alms-deeds and fasting f 
*' Take heed that you do not your justice before men, 
to be seen by them ; otherwise you shall not have a 

reward of your father who is in heaven But when 

thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what 
thy right hand doth, that thy alms may be in secret; 
and thy father, who seeth in secret, will repay 

thee And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, 

sad But anoint thy head and wash thy face, that 

thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy father 
who is in secret ; and thy father, who seeth in secret, 
will repay thee." (Matt, vi.) 
19* 



223 CATECHISM OF 

Would our Lord J hy these instructions, inculcate 
that his disciples should do no good icorks in public ^ 
and inahe no profession of piety ? 
No ; but he would have them purify their motive, 
performing all the good in their power, with the sole 
intention of pleasing God, for in another place he 
says, " By this shall all men know that you are my 
disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 
xiii. 35.) " Every one, therefore, that shall confess 
me before men, I will also confess him before my 
father who is in heaven. But he that will deny me 
before men, I will also deny him before my father 
who is in heaven." (Matt. x. 32.) And, " So let 
your light shine before men, that they may see your 
good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." 
(Matt. V. 16.) 

What illustration did our Lord give some time 
after that it was not the value of the gift he regarded 
so much, as the good-ivill icith which it was offered? 
Once, when looking at the people casting their offer- 
ings into the treasury of the Temple, many of the 
rich gave much, and a poor widow cast in two brass 
mites^ (about the value of a farthing.) Turning to 
his disciples, our Lord said, " Verily I say to you, 
that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all ; 
for all these of their abundance have cast into the 
offerings of God, but she of her want hath cast in all 
the living that she had." (Luke xxi.) 

What did our Lord sau of those loho hear his icoras 
and profit of them ? 

'" Every one, therefore, that heareth these my worde 
. and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that 
built his house upon a rock ; and the rain fell, and 
the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat 
upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on 
:a rock." (Matt. vii. 25.) 



tSOKlFTUKK HISTORY. 223 

To what did our Jjord compare those who heard hi» 
icords and did them not f 

To a foolish person who built his house upon sand, 
and which consequently fell as soon as the rain and 
wind beat upon it. 

CHAPTEK XIY. , 

©OR LORD INSTRUCTS HIS APOSTLES. HE CASTS THB 

BUYERS AND SELLERS OUT OP THE TEMPLE. 

What directions did our Lord give his Apostles f 
To preach the gospel, and confirm the doctrine incul- 
cated by miracles ; the power of working which, ho 
imparted to them. 

What did he foretell them ? 
That they would suffer persecution ; but he comforted 
them, by telling them not to be solicitous as to what 
they should say when brought before governors and 
kings for his sake ; for that a proper speech would bo 
put into their mouths, and the spirit of their father 
would speak in them. He reminded them of what 
he suffered, adding that they could not expect to be 
treated better than their master, and that they ought 
not to fear those who could kill only the body, but 
rather fear him who could cast both soul and body 
into hell. 

Sad our Lord any other disciples heside the twelve 
Apostles f 

Yes ; he appointed also seventy-two, whom he sent 
before him, two and two into every city and place 
whither he himself was to come. On them also he 
conferred the gift of miracles. 

What did he say to them on their returning to him 
and recounting ivith joy that the evil spirits icere sub^ 
ject to them in his name f 
"I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven 



224 C;A1EC1ITSM OF 

Behold I have given yon power to tread upon ser- 
pents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the 
enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. But yet re- 
joice not in this, that spirits are subject to you ; but 
rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven.'' 
(Luke X. 18.) 

Were any persons of distinction disciples of our 
Lord? 

Yes ; many, but in secret, for fear of the Pharisees, 
lest they might be cast out of the synagogue ; two 
are specially mentioned, Joseph of Arimathea and 
Nicodemus; the latter came to our Lord at first by 
night for instruction ; and received it from our be- 
nign Redeemer. (John iii.) 

On what did our Lord instruct Nicodemus? 
On the necessity of regeneration by baptism ; on tho 
love of God for the world in giving his only begotten 
Son to redeem it ; on his (our Divine Lord's) approach- 
ing passion and death, prefigured by the serpent 
erected by Moses, and of the necessity of all be- 
lieving in him. 

What manifestation of zeal did. our Divine Lord 
exhibit on finding buyers and sellers in the Temple 
when he went on one occasion to celebrate the Pasch ? 
He made a scourge of little cords and drove out the 
eheep and the oxen, poured out the money of tho 
money-changers, overthrew their tables ; and said to 
the sellers of doves, " Take these things hence, and 
make not the house of my father, a house of traffic.'' 
(John ii. 14.) 

What did the Jews say on seeing him act thus ? 
" What sign dost thou show us seeing thou dost these 
things ?" To which our Lord replied, " Destroy this 
temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He 
spoke of the temple of his body, but they imagining 
he spoke of the temple of worship, said, " six and forty 
years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise 



SUKlFTtJRE HISTOK^. 225 

it up in three days." But liis disciples remembered 
this word when he was risen from the dead. 

What did our Lord prophesy concerning the Tern* 
plef 

That it would be utterly demolished, so that one stone 
would not remain on another. This prophecy was 
partly fulfilled at the taking of Jerusalem by Titus 
after a siege of ten years ; and entirely accomplished 
by Julian the Apostate, who, thinkiDg to make void 
the words of our Divine Redeemer, dug out the very 
. foundation intending to rebuild the Temple. But 
God frustrated his impious design and made him in- 
strumental to the fulfilment of the prophecy ; for when 
every stone was removed, fire issued from the foun- 
dations which hindered the workmen from approach- 
ing and finally obliged them to desist. 

What effect had the destruction of the Temple on 
the religion of the Jews ? 

With the temple their sacrifices ceased, for they were 
prohibited from offering sacrifice in any place but in 
front of it. 

CHAPTEE XY. 

CHRIST INSTRUCTS THE SAMARITAN WOMAN HE HEALS 

THE ruler's son. 

What occurred when our Lord was on his way hack 
to Galilee from Jerusalem f 

When he had reached Sichar, a city of Samaiia, he 
sat on Jcicob's well to rest, for he was fatigued from 
the journey, while his disciples went into the city to 
buy provisions. In the meantime a Samaritan w^oman 
came to the welh to draw water, of whom our Lord 
asked to drink, which request surprised her, as the 
Jews did not communicate with the Samaritans. 

What did our Divine Redeemer then do .^ 
Our Divine Redeemer, ever solicitous for the salva- 



226 CATECHISM Olf 

tion of souls, improved her first emotion into a desire 
of knowing his doctrine, and attaining life everlast- 
ing ; and having mentioned to her some acts of her 
past life, elicited from her that she believed him to 
be a prophet ; after which she immediately consulted 
him on the matter in dispute between the Jews and 
Samaritans, whether God should be adored in Jeru- 
salem or on Mount Gerezzim. 

What did our Lord reply f 
To which our Lord replied that salvation was of the 
Jews, yet that in a little time the divine worship 
would not be confined to any particular place, be- 
cause God being a spirit sought true adorers, who 
would adore him in spirit and in truth. 

What is then related of the woman ? 
The woman having answered that she knew the 
Messiah when come would instruct them in all 
things, our Lord said to her : " I am he who am 
speaking with thee. On hearing which she left her 
pitcher, and going immediately to the city, brought 
several of the inhabitants to Jesus, telling them 
what he had said to her, and adding, " Is not he the 
Christ." (Johniv.) 

How did the Samaritans act when they came to 
our Lord? 

They entreated him to remain some time with them, 
to which he consented ; and during his stay he con- 
verted many, who then told the woman, " We now 
believe, not for thy saying, for we ourselves have 
hoard him, and know that this is indeed the Saviour 
of the world." 

What miracle did our Lord perform on his return 
to Canaf 

He restored to health, at the distance of a day's jour- 
ney, a ruler's son, who was at the point of death 
from fever ; by which the father and entire family 
were converted. 



SOKIPTUKE HISTORY. 227 

How did our Divine Lord spend the time from Ms 
retreat in the desert until his death f 
jroing about the cities and towns doing good to all ; 
instructing the ignorant, healing the sick, preaching 
in the temple, in the synagogues, or in the open air, 
and confirming his doctrine by miracles. 

In lohat form did our Blessed Lord usuxxlly convey 
his instructions to the people? 

In parables, by which the prophecy was fulfilled, "7 
%oiU open my mouth in parables. ^^ (Matt. xiii. 35.) 

Hoiv did the Scribes and Pharisees act when they 
saw that multitudes in admiration of the doctrine and 
miracles of our Divine Lord, followed him? 
TLey sent their disciples to ensnare him, if possible, 
in his speech by proposing questions to him. The 
Sadducees did the same, for though widely differing 
in doctrine and practice, they combined to oppose 
our Divine Lord. 

Repeat some of their questions ? 
They asked, *' Is it lawful to give tribute to C^sar 
or not ?" Our Lord knowing their wiliness replied, 
Show me the coin of the tribute. They offered him 
a penny ; Jesus said to them. Whose image and in- 
scription is this ? They answered, Csesar's. Then, 
he replied, Eendar therefore to Caesar the things 
that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are 
Grod's." A little after this, they again endeavored 
to ensnare him ; the Sadducees, by proposing diffi- 
culties on the doctrine of the resurrection ; the 
Pharisees, by questioning him on the law ; but he 
silenced both. 

What ansiuer did our Blessed Lord give them 
tohen on a Sabbath day they showed him a man with 
a ivither'ed hand, and ashed, Is it lawfid to heal on 
the Sabbath day ? 

" What man shall there be among you that hath one 
gheep, and if the same faU into a pit on the Sabbath 



228 oAfECHl^M OF 

day, will lie not take hold on it and lift it up. Ho\* 
much better is a man than a sheep ? Therefore it ia 
lawful to do a good deed on the Sabbath day. Then 
he said to the man, Stretch forth thy hand, and he 
stretched it forth, and it was restored to health even 
as the other." (Matt. xii. 10.) 

CHAPTER XYI. 

MIRACLE AT THE POND OF PROBATICA AND CURE OF THE 
MAN BLIND FROM HIS BIRTH. 

Do you remember any other miraculous cures ef- 
fected hy our compassionate Redeemer on the Sab- 
hath day f 

Yes, he cnred a man who had been infirm thirty- 
eight years ; gave sight to another who had been 
blind from his birth, and restored a woman to health 
after eighteen years' illness. 

Mention the particidars of the first f 
There was at Jerusalem a pond called Probatica, in 
Hebrew Bethsaida, having five porches, in which lay 
a multitude of persons afflicted with divers diseases 
waiting for the moving of the water ; for an angel 
descended at certain times into the pond, and the 
water was moved, and whoever went down first into 
the pond after the moving of the water was cured. 
Our Lord visiting this place on the Sabbath day, and 
seeing a man there who had been thirty-eight years 
sick, asked him did he wish to be cured ; the man 
replied that he had no person to put him into the 
water when it was troubled, for while he was going 
another went down before him. Our benign Lord, 
moved with compassion, desired him to rise, take up 
his bed and walk, which he immediately did, being 
restored to perfect health. (John v.) 

What did the Jews say to this miracle f 
They accused the man of breaking the Sabbath by 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 229 

taking up his bed, and persecuted our Lord for per- 
forming miracles on that day. 

3Ientwn the particulars of the hlind man^s cure f 
Our Lord, walking with his disciples, saw a blind 
man begging, and being asked by them whether it 
was in punishment of his own, or his parents' sins 
that the man was born blind, answered, Neither; 
but that the works of Grod might be manifested ; 
then spitting on the ground he made clay of the 
spittle, and applying it to the blind man's eyes, de- 
sired him to go t'o the pool of Siloe and wash, which 
he did, and immediately recovered his sight. 

What did the Pharisees say of our Divine Lord 
when they beheld this niiracidous cure? 
Some said, that he could not be of God, as he com- 
mitted what they considered a breach of the Sab- 
bath : others said, How can a man that is a sinner 
do such miracles ? and appealing to the blind man 
for his opinion he replied, " He is a prophet." 

Were they then satisfied f 
No, but sending for the parents of him who was 
cured, they inquired was he their son who was born 
blind, and by what means he had acquired his sight. 
The parents admitted that he was the same, but re- 
ferred them to himself for information as to the 
manner in which he obtained his sight; for they 
feared being cast out of the synagogue, which the 
Jews had agreed to do to any who confessed our 
Lord to be Christ. 

Were they then convinced of the certainty of the 
miracle ? 

No, being willing to contest it, and still persisting 
in their obduracy, they endeavored to make the blind 
man retract the confession he had made in favor of 
our Lord. But failing in this, and only eliciting a 
more decided act of faith, and a confutation of their 
calumnies, they with great anger cast him out. 
20 



230 ^'ATJECHISM OF 

What did our Lord say to Mm on meeting Mm 
after tMs occurrence ? 

'" Dost thou believe in the Son of Grod ? The man 
having answered, Who is he, Lord, that I may be- 
lieve in him. Jesus said. Thou hast both seen him 
and it is he that talketh with thee. On which he 
replied, I believe, Lord;" and, falling dowii^ hf 
adored him. 

CHAPTEE XYII. 

MIRACLE PERFORMED ON THE WOMAN WHO HAD BEEK 
SICK EIGHTEEN YEARS. CURE OF THE MAN AFFLICT- 
ED WITH DROPSY. 

Can you tell the particulars of the miracle per- 
formed on the icoman who had been eighteen years 
sick f 

She was in the synagogue on a Sabbath day during 
our Lord's instructions : He, moved with compassion 
at her condition (for she was bowed together, and 
could not look up) called her and laying his hands 
on her, delivered her from her infirmity, and imme- 
diately she was made straight and glorified God 
(Luke xiii. 13.) 

What did the ruler of the synagogue say on wit" 
nessing this miracle f 

" Six days there are wherein you ought to work ; in 
them therefore come and be healed^ and not on the 
Sabbath day." 

What did our Lord reply ? 
" Ye hypocrites, doth not every one of you on the 
Sabbath day loose his ox or his ass from the manger 
and lead them to water ; and ought not this daugh- 
ter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo these 
eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sab- 
bath day?" 

What effect had this defence of our hlessed Lord? 



SOKIPTURE HISTORY. ^31 

His adversaries were ashamed, and the people re- 
joiced at all things that were gloriously done by him. 

Do you remember any other cure performed hy our 
Lord on the Sahhath day f 
Yes ; that of a man afflicted with dropsy. 

What are the ^particulars of it f 
Our Lord being entertained at the house of one of 
the principal Pharisees, saw there a man who had a 
dropsy; turning to the lawyers and Pharisees, he 
asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?" 
but they making no reply, he healed him, saying to 
them, " Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall 
into a pit^ and will not immediately draw him out on 
ihe Sabbath day." (Luke xiv. 1.) 

How shoidd we sanctify the Sahhath f 
By prayer, assisting devoutly at the holy sacrifice, 
reading pious books, or hearing sermons : and per- 
iorming any spiritual or corporal works of mercy in 
Dur power, particularly the instruction of the igno- 
jant. We are bound also to avoid all unnecessary 
servile work, and whatever might hinder the due ob- 
iervance of the Lord's day, or tend to profane it. 

What did our Lord answer lohen the Scrihes and 
Pharisees demanded a sign of his heavenly mission f 
That he would give them only that of Jonas the 
prophet; for as Jonas was in the body of the whale 
*«hree days s^nd three nights, so should the Son of 
Man be in the heurtof the earth three days and three 
flights. 

Who did our Loy I say wotdd rise in judgment 
with that generation ind condemn it ? 
The people of Ninive, whe did penance at the preach- 
ing of Jonas ; and the queca of the south who tra- 
relled from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom 
tf Solomon ; but the people of :hat generation had 
greater *.han either Jonas or SUomon to instruct 
fchi TU, /lit profited very little of it. 



232 CAIISCHISM OF 

CHAPTER XYIII. 

PARABLES OF THE SOWER AND OF THE COCKLE. 

Repeat some of the parables in which our Divine 
Lord instructed the people f 

" The sower went forth to sow his seed, and whilst 
he sowed some fell by the way side, and it was trodden 
down, and the birds of the air devoured it. And 
other some fell upon a rock, and as soon as it was 
sprung up it withered away because it had no mois- 
ture. And other some fell among thorns, and the 
thorns growing up with it choked it ; and other some 
fell upon good ground, and being sprung up yielded 
fruit an hundred-fold." 

Where was our Divine Lord while speaking this 
parable ? 

In a boat near the shore, which he went into for the 
purpose of instructing the people who crowded on the 
shore. 

What explanation did our Lord give his disciples 
of this parable f 

" The seed is the word of God, and they by the way 
side are they that hear, then the devil cometh and 
taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they 
should be saved. Now they upon the rock are they, 
who when they hear receive the word with joy ; and 
these have no roots ; for they believe for a while, 
and in time of temptation they fall away. And that 
which fell among thorns, are they who have heard, 
and going their way are choked with the cares and 
riches, and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit. 
But that oii the good ground, are they who in a good 
and very good heart hearing the word keep it, and 
bring forth fruit in patience." (Luke viii.) 

Repeat the parable of the oversowing of the cocMe ? 
** The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that 



SCKJl'TmiE HISTORY. 233 

flowed good seed in his field ; but tv \ie L>e*. wert 
isleep, his enemy came and overspre;>.d cocklu among 
i?he wheat and went his way. And when the blade 
was sprung up and had brought forth fruit, then ap- 
peared also the cockle ; and the servants of the good 
men of the house coming said to him, Sir, didst thou 
not sow good seed in thy field, whence then hath it 
cockle ? And he said to them, an enemy hath dono 
this. And the servants said to him, Wilt thou that 
we go and gather it up ?" 

Soto did he ansicer the servants f 
" And he said No, lest perhaps gathering up thv^ 
cockle you root up the wheat also together with it. 
Sufier both to grow until the harvest, and in the 
time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, G-athei 
up first the cockle and bind it into bundles to burn, 
but the wheat gather up into my barn." 

Moio did our Lord expound this parable to Ms dis^ 
ciples f 

" He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man, 
and the field is the world. And the good seed ar-^ 
the children of the kingdom ; and the cockle are the 
children of the wicked one; and the enemy that 
sowed them is the devil. But the harvest is the end 
of the world, and the reapers are the angels. Even 
as cockle therefore is gathered up and burnt with 
fire, go shall it be at the end of the world, the Son of 
Man shall send his angels and they shall gather out 
of his kingdom all scandals, and them that work ini- 
quity, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire, 
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then 
shall the just shine as the sun in the kingdom of 
their Father." (Matt, xiii.) 
20* 



234 CATECHISM Ot 

CHAPTEE XIX . 

THE STORM AT SEA. 

Where was our Lord ichile giving these instructionsf 
In a ship with his disciples on the sea of Gralilee, the 
people being assembled on the shore. (Matt. xiii. 1.) 

What did our Lord direct his disciples to do ivhe7k 
he had finished his instructions to the people f 
To sail to the opposite coast, which they immediately 
did ; but when they had gone some way a great storm 
arose, and the sea beat into the ship so that it filled 
and was in danger of sinking. 

In the mean time ichere icas our Lord? 
In the mean time our Lord was asleep in the hinder 
part of the ship, when his disciples awoke him say- 
ing : " Master, doth it not concern thee, that we 
perish ; and rising up he rebuked the wind and said 
to the Sea, Peace, be still." 

What followed? 
And the wind ceased, and a great calm ensued : and 
he said to them, Why are you fearful, have you not 
faith yet. And they feared exceedingly, and said 
one to another. Who is this thinkest thou, that both 
wind and sea obey him ? (Mark iv. 35.) 

What occurred ichen tJiey arrived at the opposite 
coast y the countrg of the Gerasins ? 
Our Lord was met by a man possessed by an evil 
spirit, who falling down adored, crying out : *' What 
have I to do with thee, Jesus, the Son of the Most 
High Grod, T beseech thee do not torment me," for 
our Lord had said, " Go out of the man thou unclean 
spiTit." 

What did our Lord ash ? 
Our Lord asked, " What is thy name ?" he replied 
"■ Legion, for we are many," and they besought htm 
that he would not command them to go into the abjes, 



JSCRIPTUR15 msTORr. 2^0 

but to suffer them to enter into a herd of swine that 
was feeding near. He did so, and going out of the 
man they entered the swine, and the whole herd, to 
the number of about two thousand, ran into the lake 
and were stifled. 

What is said of the Man f 
The man was immediately restored to reason, be 
came quite peaceable, and resumed his clothes, which 
he had not worn for a long time ; having lived from 
the time he became possessed, in sepulchres, and 
having been so fierce, that he could not be approach- 
ed, nor in any way i^strained. In the commence- 
ment, some attempts were made to bind him even 
with chains, but he had broke through all. (Mark v ) 

CHAPTEK XX. 

THE DAUGHTEK, OF JAIRUS EAISED TO LIFE. 

What did our Lord after performing these mira^ 
desf 

He recrossed the Lake to Galilee, for the Gerasins 
entreated him to leave their country, being terrified 
at what they had witnessed. 

What miracles did he perfor^tn iTumediately after 
landing ? 

He raised to life the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of 
the synagogue, and cured a woman who had been 
twelve years infirm. 

Relate the j^ai^ficidars f 
As soon as our Lord landed, Jairus fell at his feet, 
earnestly entreating him to come to his house, and 
lay his hand on his only daughter who was at the 
point of death. Our Lord complied, and whilo 
going, a woman who had been twelve years ill, and 
had in vain spent all she had in endeavoring to pro- 
cure relief, came behind and touched his garment, 



236 CATECHISM OF 

saying within herself, " If I shall touch but the hem 
of his garment I shall be cured." 

What followed? 
Immediately on doing so_, she was perfectly restored , 
and our Lord, turning to the crowd that surrounded 
him, asked : " Who hath touched my garments ?" 
All denying, St. Peter said. " Master, the multitudes 
throng and press ih^Q, and dost thou say who touch- 
ed me?" 

What did the Woman do? 
But the woman seeing that she was discovered, fell 
at his feet and declared the truth, to whom our Lord 
said : " Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole, go 
in peace." 

While he teas spealnngy what happened? 
Whilst he was speaking, a messenger came to 
Jairus to inform him of his daughter's death, but 
our Lord said to him : " Fear not, believe only, and 
she shall be safe ;" and taking with him Peter, 
James, and John, he suffered no others but the father 
and mother of the girl to go with him into the house ; 
and going to the place where she lay, he took her 
by the hand saying : " Maid arise ;" and her spirit 
returned, and she rose immediately. (Luke viii. 4L) 

CHAPTER XXI. 

MULTIPLICATION OE THE LOAVES AND FISIIES.^-ST. 
PETER UPON THE WATERS. 

Whither did our Lord go soon after this miracle ? 
To a desert place together with his apostles, but be- 
ing followed by multitudes, on whose infirmities and 
ignorance he had compassion, he healed the sick 
among them, and instructed all un^til evenings when 
his apostles begged of him to dfemiss them as no 
food could be had in that desert pkce 



rscKirTUKE msTORi' . 237 

What did lie reply f 
He replied : " They have no need to go, give you 
them to eat ;" they answered : " We have only five 
loaves and two fishes ;" " Bring them to me," said 
our Lord. 

What did he then direct? 
Then he directed the multitudes to be seated, iq 
number about five thousand, and looking up to 
heaven he blessed the five loaves and two fishes, and 
desired his disciples to distribute them : they did so, 
and when all were satisfied, our Lord commanded the 
fragments to be collected that nothing should be 
wasted ; and with these they filled twelve baskets. 

What did the people say on ivitnessing this great 
miracle f 

'•' This is of a truth the prophet that is to come into 
the world :" and they would have made him king, on 
which our Lord withdrew from among them. 

Whither did our Lord send Ms disciples that 
evening f 

Across the lake in the ship, he himself remaining 
alone to pray. 

What occurred to them about the middle of the 
nighty when they had gone a considerahle distance ? 
The wind arose, and the ship was tossed, but our 
Lord seeing them laboring came to them walking on 
the water, whom when his disciples saw, they cried 
out, thinking it was an apparition ; but he calmed 
their fears, saying, " It is I, fear not" 

What did St. Peter say f 
'* Lord if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the 
waters ;" to whom our Lord said, " Come ;" and St. 
Peter going down out of the ship walked upon the 
water to him, but the wind being high he was 
frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, 
" Lord save me ;" on which our gracious Lord took 



238 CATECHISM OF 

hold of Mm saying, " thou of little faith, why 
didst thou doubt." 

What testimony did those in tie ship give^ when 
they saw what ivas done, and that the storm svh" 
sided f 

They adored our Lord, saying, " Indeed thou art the 
Son of aod." 

Relate the particulars of our Lord'^s feeding over 
four thousand people, who collected to hear his in* 
structions and to he cured? 

Being with his disciples on a mountain near the sea 
of G-alilee, great multitudes resorted to him, and 
continued with him three days, at the end of which 
time he desired his disciples to give the people food 
saying, " I will not send them away fasting lest they 
faint in the way." 

What did the disciples reply ? 
The disciples replied that they had only seven loaves 
and a few small fishes, which they brought to their 
Divine Master, who, having blessed, directed them 
to be distributed among the people, who all ate a 
sufficiency, yet left as much fragments as filled seven 
baskets. 

CHAPTEE XXII. 

BT. PETEe's confession of CHRIST. TRANSFIGURATION 

OF OUR LORD. 

What did the people think on seeing the stupen^ 
doiis miracles wrought hy our Divine Lord? 
Some thought he was John the Baptist risen from 
the dead : others that he was Elias ; others, that he 
was Jeremiah, or one of the ancient prophets. 

What did St. Peter answer ivhen our Lord ashea 
his disciples, ^* Whatn do you say that I am f^ 
" Thou art Christ the Son of the living God." 



SCKIPTLTRE HlSTOKr. 2o9 

What did our Lord say on this confession of St. 
Peter? 

" Blessed art thou Simon Ear- Jona, because llesh and 
blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my father 
who is in heaven, and I say to thee that thou art 
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and 
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And T 
will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven , 
and whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, shall be 
bound also in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shalt 
loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven '* 
(Matt, xvi.) 

What did our Lord foretell his disciples soon after 
this ? 

That he should go to Jerusalem, and suffer many 
things from the ancients and chief priests, and be 
put to death, and the third day rise again. 

What did St. Peter on hearing this announcement 
of our Lord? 

He expostulated with him, saying, " Lord be it far 
from thee, this shall not be unto thee ;" but our Lord 
rebuked him for being still so worldly-minded, and 
not relishing the ignominy of the cross. 

What miracidous occurrence took place about a 
week after this f 

Our Lord taking Peter, James, and John, retired to 
a mountain, which is generally supposed to be Tha- 
bor, to pray : and whilst in prayer he was transfig- 
ured, assuming the appearance of a glorified body ; 
his face shone as the sun, and his garments became 
white and glittering. And Moses and Elias appear- 
ed oDnversing with him on his approaching Passion 
and Death in Jerusalem. 

What did St. Peter say on seeing him f 
St. Peter seeing them, said, " Lord it is good for us 
to be here ; let us make three tabernacles, one for 
thee, one for Moses, and one for Elias f whilst he 



240 CATECHISM «)F 

was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and 
a voice out of the cloud said, " This is my beloved 
Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him." The 
disciples hearing this, fell with fear to the ground, 
but our Lord calmed them, and desired them to rise ; 
on doing so they saw him only, who charged them 
not to speak of the vision until he should be risen 
from the dead. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

INSTRUCTIONS ON ZEAL, HUMILITY, AND ON THE NE- 
CESSITY OF GIVING GOOD EXAMPLE. 

What did our Lord soon after his transfiguration f 
He set out with his disciples on his return to Jeru- 
salem, having again foretold to them what he was to 
suffer there. 

What happened in a Samaritan city which lay 
in our Lord's loay, and through which he icas to 
pass ? 

The inhabitants refused him entrance ; on which 
James and John asked permission to call fire down 
from heaven to consume them ; but the Lord rebuked 
them, saying, " You know not of what spirit you are, 
the Son of Man came not to destroy souls but to 
gave." And they went into another town. 

On what subjects did our Lord instruct his disci" 
pies on the loay f 

On the necessity of humility; on the danger of 
giving scandal, and the necessity of cutting off all 
occasions of sin ; on the forgiveness of injuries ; 
on charity, and on the evil of setting the heart on 
riches. 

What exemplification did our Lord give of Chris 
tian humility ? 

He placed a little child in the midst, saying, " Un« 
less you be converted and become as little children, 



5CKIPTUKK mSTOKY. 241 

you siiall not enter into the kingdom of heaven ; who- 
Boever therefore shall humble himself as this little 
child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven." 

In what words did our Lord propose himself as 
their model in this virtue? 

'• Take up my yoke upon you and learn of me, be- 
Cduse I am meek and humble of heart and you shall 
Olid rest to your souls, for my yoke is sweet and my 
burden light." (Matt. xi. 29.) 

What did our Lord say of those who shoidd give 
scandal to children f 

" He that shall scandalize one of these little ones 
that believe in me, it were better for him that a mill- 
stone should be hanged about his neck, and that ho 

should be drowned in the depth of the sea See 

that you dispise not one of these little ones, for I say 
to you that their angels in heaven, always see the 
face of my father who is in heaven." 

What did our Jjord say of removing the cause of 
scandal he it ever so near or dear ? 
*' If thy hand or thy foot scandalize thee cut it off 
and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go 
into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or 
two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy 
eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from 
thee : it is better for thee having one eye to enter 
into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell 
fire." (Matt. v. 29.) 

Are these icords to he understood literally f 
No, as self-mutilation is unlawful; their meaning 
then is that we are to withdraw ourselves from those 
things and persons that are an occasion of sin to us ; 
that we are to cast from us those objects, though 
dear to us as our eyes or hands, which we cannot 
cherish without offending God ; that we are to re* 
nounce all sinful attachments and affections, no mat- 
ter what pain the renunciation may cost lis. 
21 



242 CATECHISM OF 

What is observed of the plucking out of the eye_ 

The plucking out of our eyes and cutting off of our 
hands are never necessary means to secure our salva- 
tion, as God on the one hand, gives us grace to avoid 
using them perversely, and on the other forbids us 
to destroy them. If therefore holy persons have, iu 
some instances, acted up to the letter of this passage, 
by maiming themselves to escape guilt more surely ; 
we must say either that they were excused by igno- 
rance of the prohibition, whilst they are to be prais- 
ed for their earnest zeal against sin, or, as appears 
to have been the case in some instances, that they 
were justified by a special inspiration of Grod, wh^, 
being supreme Lord of life and limb, could unqueth 
tionably authorize such actions, which we may thert- 
fore admire but not imitate. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

ON FRATERNAL CORRECTION AND FORGIVENESS OF 
INJURIES. 

What did our Lord say respecting fraternal cor^ 

rection f 

" If thy brother shall offend against thee, go and 
rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he 
shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother, and if 
he will not hear thee, take with thee one or twe 
more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses 
every word may stand, and if he will not hear then), 
tell the Church." 

What does our Lord say of him who ivill not hear 
the Church? 

" Let him be to thee as the heathen and the pub- 
lican." 

What did our Lord reply when ashed hy St. -Pe- 



tSOKlPTUllE HISTORY. 243 

t^' how often he should forgive one who injured hinHj 
should he do so seven times f 

" 1 say not to thee till seven times, but till seventy 
times seven times." (Matt, xviii.) 

What parahle did our Lord relate to exemplify 
the necessity of forgiving injuries ? 
** The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king vpho 
would take an account of his servants, and when he 
had begun to take the account one was brought to 
him that owed him ten thousand talents. And as 
he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded 
that he should be sold, and his wife and children and 
all that he had, and payment to be made. 

What did the servant do f 
But that servant falling down, besought him, saying : 
Have patience with me and I will pay thee all ; and 
the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let 
him go, and forgave him the debt. But when that 
servant was gone out, he found one of his fellow ser- 
vants that owed him a hundred pence, and laying 
hold of him, he throttled him, saying : Pay what 
thou owest. 

How did his fellow-servant answer? 
And his fellow-servant falling down besought him, 
saying : Have patience with me and I will pay thee 
all. And he would not, but went and cast him into 
prison until he paid the debt. Now his fellow-ser- 
vants, seeing what was done, were very much grieved, 
and they came and told their lord all that was done. 

What did his lord then do ? 
Then his lord called him and said to him: Thou 
wicked servant I forgave thee all the debt because 
thou besoughtest me ; shouldst not thou then have 
had compassion also on thy fellow-servant even as I 
had compassion on thee. And his lord being angry 
delivered him to the torturers until he paid all the 
debt. So also shall my Heavenly Father do to you 



544 CATECHISM OF 

if you forgivo not every one his brother from your 
hearts." (Matt, xviii.) 

CHAPTER XXY. 

ON CHARITY, AKD ON THE EYIL OF SETTING THE HEAftT 
ON RICHES. 

What ansicer did our Lord give a certain lau'yer 
who to tempt hhn asked. What must I do to possess 
eternal life? 

Our Lord said, What is written in the law? On the 
lawyer's replying that it was written : Thou shalt 
love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and 
with thy whole soul and with all thy strength and 
with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself." 
Thou hast answered rightly, said our Lord, this do 
and thou shalt liye. 

What parable did our Lord relate on the lawyer's 
asking, Who is my neighbor ? 

*'A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jeri- 
cho and fell among robbers, who also stripped him, 
and having wounded him, went away leaving him 
half dead ; and it chanced that a certain priest went 
down the same way, and, seeing him, passed by. In 
like manner, also, a Levite, when he was near the 
place and saw him, passed by. 

What did the Samaritan do f 
But a certain Samaritan being on his journey came 
near him, and seeing him was moved with compas- 
sion ; and going up to him bound up his wounds, 
pouring in oil and wine, and, setting him upon his 
own beast, brought him to an inn and took care of 
him. And the next day, he took out two pence and 
gave to the host, and said : Take care of him, and 
whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above, I, at 
my return, will repay thee. 



SCKTPTURK HISTOHY 245 

WTiat did our Lord ask^ and loJiat did the lawyer 
reply f 

Which of these three, in thy opinion, was neighbor 
to him that fell among the robbers ? The lawyer 
replied : He that showed mercy to him. And Jesus 
said to him : Gro, and do thou in like manner. (Luke 
X. 25.) 

What answer did our Lord give another j who 
islced: What good shall I do, that I may have life 
everlasting ? 

*'If thou wilt enter into life, keep the command- 
ments :" The young man replying that he had kept 
them from his youth, but wished to know what was 
yet wanting to him, our Lord said : " If thou wilt be 
perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, 
and thou shalt have treasure in heaven^ and come 
follow me." 

What did the young man do on hearing these 
icords of our Lord? 
He went away sad, for he had great possessions. 

What did. our Lord say to his disciples on seeing 
the rich young man go away sad ? 
"How hard is it for them that trust in riches to 
enter into the kingdom of God .... It is easier for a 
camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a 
rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." 
(Matt. xix. and Mark x.) 

What did our Lord reply to St. Peter Vjhen lie 
saidj ^'Behold loe have left all things and have fol' 
lowed thee, lohat therefore shall ice have ? 
"Amen I say to you, that you who have followed 
me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall 
ni on the seat of his Majesty, you also shall sit on 
twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 
And every one of you that hath left house or breth- 
ren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or chil- 
dren, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an 
2]* 



246 CATEOHIISM OF 

hundred fold, and shall possess life evei'lasting/ 
(Matt, xix.) 

CHAPTEE XXYl, 

PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZAEUS. 

What parable did our Lord make use of to icaiit 
the rich against using their ivealth only for their own 
indulgence f 

" Thei e was a certain rich man who was clothed in 
purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every 
day. And there was a certain beggar named Laza- 
rus who lay at his gate full of sores desiring to be 
filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's 
table, and no one did give him, moreover the dogs 
came and licked his sores." 

What came to pass f 
'' And it came to pass that the beggar died and was 
carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom ; and 
the rich man also died and was buried in hell. And 
lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw 
Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom ; and he 
cried and said : Father Abraham have mercy on me, 
and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his fin- 
ger in water to cool my tongue for I am tormented 
in this flame ?" 

What did Abraham say? 
*' And Abraham said to him: Son, remember that 
thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and 
likewise Lazarus evil things, but now -he is comforted 
and thou art tormented. And besides all this, be 
tween us and you there is fixed a great chaos, so that 
they who would pass from hence to you cannot, noi 
from thence come hither." (Luke xvi. 19.) 

What other parable did our Lord speak to show 
the folly of trusting in riches f 
•* The land of a certain man brought'^forth plenty ot 



iscKiPTURfi msTORr. 247 

fruits and he thought within himself, saying : What 
shall I do because I haA^e no room where to bestow 
my fruits ; and he said : This will I do ; I will pull 
down my barns, and will build greater, and into them 
will I gather all things that are given to me, and my 
goods. And I will say to my soul : Soul thou hast 
much goods laid up for many years, take thy rest ; 
eat, drink, make good cheer." 
What did God say to him? 
"But God said to him, Thou fool, this night do they 
require thy soul of thee, and whose shall these things 
be which thou hast provided." So is he that layeth 
up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God. 
(Luke xii. 16.) 

CHAPTEB XXYII. 

PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE, AND OF THE 
LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD. 

What parable did our Lord speak to show the ne- 
cessity of doing penance and performing good works ^ 
" A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vine- 
yard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and he found 
none ; and he said to the dresser of the vineyard : 
Behold for these three years I come seeking fruit on 
this fig tree, and I find none ; cut it down therefore, 
why cumbereth it the ground ?" 

What did he answer? 
'* But he answering, said to him : Lord, let it alone 
this year also, until I dig about it and dung it ; and 
if happily it bear fruit, but if not, then after that thou 
Bhalt cut it down." (Luke xiii. 6.) 

Bepeat the parable of the laborers in the vineyard ? 
" The kingdom of heaven is like to a householder who 
went out early in the morning to hire laborers into 
bis vineyard ; and having agreed with the laborers 
for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 



248 CATECHISM OF 

And going out about the third hour, he saw others 
standing in the market-place idle; and he said to 
them : Go you also into my vineyard and I will give 
you what shall be just ; and they went their way. 
And again he went out about the sixth and the ninth 
hour and did in like manner ; but about the eleventh 
hour he went out and found others standing, and ha 
saith to them : Why stand you here all the day idle ? 
They say to him : Because no man hath hired us. 
He saith to them : Gro you also into my vineyard." 

When evening teas come tohat did the lord do f 
'^ And when evening was come the lord of the vine- 
yard saith to his steward : Call the laborers and pay 
them their hire, beginning from the last, even to the 
first. When, therefore, they were come that came 
about the eleventh hour, they received every man a 
penny : but when the first also came, they thought 
that they should receive more ; and they also received 
every man a penny." 

What did those loho came first say f 
" They murmured against the master of the house, 
Baying : These last have worked but one hour, and 
thou hast made them equal to us that have barne the 
burden of the day and the heats." 

How did the master answer ? 
" But he answering, said to one of them : Friend I 
do thee no wrong ; didst thou not agree with me for 
a penny, take what is thine and go thy way ; I will 
also give to this last even as to thee ; or is it not 
lawful for me to do what I will; is thy eye evil 
because I am good. So shall the last be first, and 
the first last; for many are called but few chosen.". 
(Matt. XX.) 

What instruction may you derive from the above 
'parable f 

To labor diligently in performing the duties allotted 
without murmuring at the comparative ease enjoyed 



f^cnirTUKP: HISTORY. 249 

by some; and kn owing that labor is appointed by 
Grod, to acquit ourselves of the portion that devolves 
to us with such fidelity as will hereafter merit for us 
to hear : " "Well done good and faithful servant, as 
thou hast been faithful over few things I will place 
thee over many, enter into the joy of thy Lord." 

CHAPTEE XXVIII. 

I'ARABLE OF THE VINEYARD LET OUT TO HUSBANDMJiN. 

What parable did our Lord speah to forewarn the 
Jeivs that if tliey did^ not repent the kingdom of God 
should he transferred from them to the gentiles ? 
"There was a man, a householder, who planted a 
vineyard, and made a hedge round about it, and dug 
in it a press, and built a tower, and let it out to hus- 
bandmen, and went into a strange country. And 
when the time of the fruits drew nigh, he sent his 
serva^nts to the husbandmen that they might receive 
the fruits thereof" 

. What did the hushandmen do ? 
*' And the husbandmen laying hands on his servants, 
beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 
Again he sent other servants more than the former, 
and they did to them in like manner ; and last of all 
he sent to them his son, saying : They will reverence 
my son. But the husbandmen, seeing the son, said 
among themselves : This is the heir, come let us Icill 
him and we shall have his inheritance, and taking 
him they cast him forth out of the vineyard and 
killed him." (Matt. xxi. 33.) 

What answer did the Jews give when our Lord 
said : When therefore the lord of the vineyard shall 
come what shall he do to these hushandmen f 
They replied : " He will bring these evil men to an 
evil end, and will let out his vineyard to other husband- 
uien that shall i^ender him the fruit in due season.*' 



250 CATECHISM OF 

What did our Lord say further ? 
" Have jou never read in the Scriptures, The stoiu 
which the huilders rejected, the same is become the 
head of the corner. By the Lord this has heen done^ 
and it is wonderfvl in our eyes. Therefore 1 say to 
you that the kingdom of God shall be taken from 
you, and shall be given to a nation yielding the fruits 
thereof" 

Was the ahove parable calculated to remind the 
Jhivs of ancient prophecies and so lead them to reflect 
and repent f % 

It was ; both Isaias and Jeremiah had compared them 
to,, a vineyard on which no trouble had been spared 
yet which produced only briers and thorns. 

Repeat the prophecies f 
" My beloved had a vineyard on a hill in a fruitful 
place ; and he fenced it in, and picked the stones out 
of it, and planted it with the choicest vines, and 
built a tower in the midst thereof^ and set up a wine 
press therein ; and he looked that it should bring 
forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And 
now, ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and ye men of 
Juda, judge between me and my vineyard, what is 
there that I ought to do more for my vineyard, that 
I have not done to it. 

What teas tJie ansicer to this question ? 
''And now I will show you what I will do to my vine- 
yard, I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall 
be wasted ; I will break down the wall thereof, and 
it shall be trodden down ; and I will make it deso- 
late, and it shall not be pruned and it shall not be 
digged, but briers and thorns shall come up ; and I 
will command the clouds to rain no rain upon it. 

What was the vineyard f 
" The vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of 
Israel, and the man of Juda his pleasant plant ; and 
I looked that he should do judgment and behold 



SCRIPTUEE HISTORY. 251 

iniquity ; and do justice and behold a cry." (Isaias 
V.) " Yet I planted them a chosen vineyard all true 
seed ; how art thou turned unto me, into that which 
is good for nothing, strange vineyard." (Jer. ii. 21.) 
Ought not we likewise derive instruction and warn- 
ing hy the above parahle and prophecies f 
Yefe; for though addressed to the Jews, they are 
applicable to Christians whom God has planted in 
his Church, fenced in with holy laws, and provided 
with the holy sacraments as so many conduits of his 
grace. In it he expects ». the faithful to prune all 
superfluities by mortification ; to dig deeply into their 
souls by a profound knowledge of self; to root out 
by contrary acts the briers of vicious habits; and 
water with tears of compunction the dry affections of 
their hearts, that so they may render fruit in due 
season, and deserve praise instead of reproach from 
their heavenly master. 

CHAPTEE XXIX. 

PARABLE or THE MARRIAGE FEAST, AND OF THE TEN 
VIRGINS. 

Repeat the parable of the marriage feast f 
" The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who 
made a marriage for his son ; and he sent his ser- 
vants to call them that were invited to the marriage, 
and they would not come. Again he sent other ser- 
vants, saying : Tell them that were invited, Behold 
I have prepared my dinner, my beeves and fatlings 
are killed, and all things are ready, come ye to the 
marriage. 

What did they do ? 
*' But they neglected and went their ways, one to his 
farm and another to his merchandize, and the rest 
laid hands upon his servants, and havijig treated 
them contumeliously put them to death. 



252 CATECHISM or 

WJiat did the hing do, mJien lie heard this? 
*' But when the king had heard of it, he was angry, 
and sending his armies he destroyed those murderers 
and burned their city. Then he saith to his servants : 
The marriage indeed is ready, but they that were 
invited were not worthy, go ye therefore into the 
highways, and as many as you shall find call to the 
marriage. And his servants going forth into the 
ways, gathered together. all that they found both bad 
and good ; and the marriage was filled with guests. 

What is related of the Icing when he loent in to see 
the guests ? 

"And the king went in to see the guests, and he saw 
there a man who had not on a wedding garment, and 
he saith to him : Friend how camest thou in hither, 
not having on a wedding garment, but he was silent 
Then the king said to the waiters : Bind his hands 
and his feet, and cast him into the exterior dark- 
ness ; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth ; 
for many are called but few are chosen." (Matt, 
xxii. 1.) 

Whoi application may you mahe of this parable 
in order to derive fruit from it? 
To approach the Holy Table at the appointed times 
with due preparation, humility and gratitude ; and 
never to presume to do so unless clothed with the 
nuptial robe of charity, and the grace of God. 

What parable did our Lord relate to warn his 
disciples to be always prepared for death f 
*' Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten 
virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet 
the bridegroom and the bride : and five of them were 
foolish and five wise. But the ^yq foolish having 
taken their lamps, did not take oil with them, but 
the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. 
And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered 
and slept ; and at midnight there was a cry made : 



SCRIPTURE HISTOKf. 253 

IVehold the bridegroom cometli, go ye forth to meet 
him ; then all these virgins arose and trimmed their 
lamps : and the foolish said to the wise, Give us of 
your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise 
answered, saying : Lest perhaps there be not enough 
for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell 
and buy for yourselves. 

What happened ichile they ivent to buy f 
*' Now whilst they went to buy the bridegroom came, 
and they that were ready went in with him to the 
marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came 
also the other virgins, saying. Lord, Lord open to us ; 
but he answering, said. Amen I say to you, I know 
you not. Watch ye, therefore, because ye know not= 
the day nor the hour." (Matt. xxv. 1.) 

CHAPTEE XXX. 

PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP AND OP THE PRODIGAL SON. 

What parables did our Lord relate to encourage 
sinners to repent and return to their duties f 
Those of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. 

Relate the parahle of the lost sheep f 
** What man of you that hath an hundred sheep, and 
if he shall lose one of them doth he not leave the 
ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which 
was lost until he find it. And when he hath found 
it, lay it upon his shoulders rejoicing ; and coming^ 
home call together his friends and neighbors, saying- 
to them: Rejoice with me because I have found my 
sheep that was lost. I say to you, that even so there^ 
shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth 
penance more than upon ninety-nine just who need 
not penance." (Luke xv. 4.) 

Did not our Lord compare himself to a shepherd? 
He did, saying, "I am the good shepherd. The- 
good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep, but tho 
22 



254 CATECHISM OF 

Ihireling and lie that is not the shepherd, whose 
own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and 
leaveth the sheep and fieeth ; and the wolf catcheth 
and scattereth the sheep ; and the hireling flietb be- 
cause he is a hireling, and he hath no care for the 
sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine 
and mine know me." (John x. 2.) 

Was our Lord announced hy any of the propJictg 
under the fig we of a shepherd f 
He was, by the prophets Isaias and Ezekiel ; the 
latter said " And I will set up one shepherd over 
them," (Ez. xxxiv. 23;) the former, " He shall feed 
his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather together 
the lambs with his arm, and shall take them up Id 
his bosom." (Is. xl. 11.) 

Repeat the parable of the "prodigal son ? 
" A certain man had two sons, and the younger of 
them said to his father; father give me the portion 
of substance that falleth to me ; and he divided unto 
them his substance. And not many days after, the 
younger son, gathering all together, went abroad 
into a far country, and there wasted his substance,, 
living riotously. 

After he had spent all, ichat happened f 
"And after he had spent all, there came a mighty 
•famine in that country, and he began to be in want, 
and he went and cleaved to one of the citizens of 
*that country, and he sent him into his farm to feed 
swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with 
the husks the swine did eat, and no man gave unto 
*him. 

What did he say f 
"And returning to himself he said ; how many hired 
servants in my father's house abound with bread, 
and I here perish with hunger. I will arise, and 
will go to my father and say to him : father I have 
sinned against heaven and before thee, I am not now 



SCRIPTUKE HISTORY. 255 

worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy 
hired servants. 

And rising up, lohat did he do f 
'*And rising up, he came to his father ; and when 
he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and 
was moved with compassion, and running to him 
fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the son said 
to him ; father ' I have sinned against heaven and 
before thee, I am not now worthy to be called thy 
Eon. 

What did the father say f 
"A.nd the father said to his servants. Bring forth 
quickly the first robe and put it on him, and put a 
ring on his hand and shoes on his feet ; and bring 
hither the fatted calf and kill it ; and let us eat 
and make merry, because this my son was dead and 
is come to life again, was lost and is found." (Luke 

XV.) 

What may ice learn from this parable f 
That whenever we are so unhappy as to stray away 
from our Heavenly Father by sin, we ought to enter 
into ourselves and return speedily with the senti- 
ments of humility and contrition evinced by the pro- 
digal, and then we may humbly hope for a similar 
reception. 

CHAPTEE XXXI. 

PARABLE OF THE TEN TALENTS. 

What parable did our Lord speak to show the m* 
cessity of diligently co-operating with the designs of 
God, and being ever ready to render an account of 
the gifts received ? 

" A man going into a far country called his servants, 
and delivered to them his goods ; and to one he gave 
five talents, and to another two, and to another one ; 
to every one according to his proper ability, and im- 



256 CATECHISM 01 

mediately he took his journey. And he that had 
received the five talents, went his way, and traded 
with the same and gained other five; and in like 
manner he that had received two^ gained other 
two: but he that had received the one, going his 
way, digged into the earth and hid his lord's 
money. 

After a long timey icliat happened? 
''But after a long time, the lord of these servants 
came and reckoned with them, and he that had re- 
ceived the five talents, coming, brought other five 
talents, saying, Lord thou didst deliver to me five 
talents, behold I have gained other five over and 
above. 

^Yhat did the lord say to the servant that received 
five talents J and to him that received two f 
"His lord said to him; well done good and faithful 
servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few 
things, I will place thee over many, enter thou into 
th e j oy of thy lord. And he that had received the two 
talents, came and said. Lord, thou deliveredst to me 
two talents, behold I have gained other two. His 
lord said to him : Well done, good and faithful ser- 
vant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, 
I will place thee over many, enter thou into the joy 
of thy Lord. 

What did the servant, who hid his talent say, and 
irJiat teas the lord^s answer ? 

" But he that had received the one talent, came and 
said : Lord, I know that thou art a hard man, that 
thou reapest where thou hast not sworn, and gathor- 
est where thou hast not strewed ; and being afraid, 
I went and hid thy talent in the earth, behold, here 
thou hast that which is thine. And his lord answer- 
ing, said ; wicked and slothful servant, thou know- 
est that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I 
have not strewed ; thou oughtest Ill^^ofore to have 



SCRIPTUEE HISTORY. 257 

committed my money to tlie bankers, and at my 
coming I should have received my own with usury. 
Take ye therefore the talent from him and give it 
to him that hath ten talents, for, to every one that 
hath, shall be given and he shall abound : but from 
him that hath not, that also which he seemeth to 
have shall be taken away, and the unprofitable ser- 
vant cast ye out into the exterior darkness ; thero 
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt 
XXV. 14.) 

CHAPTEE XXXII. 

MIRACULOUS CURE OF THE TEN LEPERS. LAZARUS 

RAISED TO LIFE. 

Relate the particulars of the miracle performed 
on the ten lepers? 

" As he was going to Jerusalem, he passed through 
the midst of Samaria and Galilee ; and as he enter- 
ed into a certain town, there met him ten men that 
were lepers, who stood afar off and lifted up their 
voice saying : Jesus, master, have mercy on us. 
When he saw them he said ; go show yourselves to 
the priests. And it came to pass, as they went, they 
were made clean. 

What is related of one of themf 
**And one of them, when he saw that he was made- 
clean, went back with a loud voice glorifying Gcd^, 
and he fell on his face before his feet giving thanks>^ 
and this was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering, 
said, were not ten made clean, and where are the: 
nine, there is no one found to return to give glory 
to God but this stranger." (Luke xvii. 11.) 

What do the holy Fathers say of the duty of mani^ 
festing gratitude to God? 

That no favor from God ought to be received with- 
out the deepest sense of gratitude ; gratitude in re- 
22^* 



258 CATKCHISM OF 

turn for one favor is the surest way to receive a 
second. Gratitude is a part of Christian duty, it is 
a pleasing virtue and the characteristic of a good 
heart. And we read in the book of Wisdom, (xvi. 
29,) " The hope of the unthankful shall melt away 
as the winter's ice, and shall run off as unprofitable 
water." 

Relate the miracle of raising Lazarus to life f 
" There was a certain man sick, named Lazarus, of 
Bethania, of the town of Mary, and Martha, hei 
sir>ter ; (and Mary was she that anointed the Lord 
with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose 
brother Lazarus was sick.) His sisters therefore 
sent to him, saying : Lord behold he whom thou 
lovest is sick. And Jesus hearing it, said to them : 
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of 
God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it." 

What did Jesus then do ? 
"Now Jesus loved ]\Iartha and her sister Mary and 
Lazarus. When he had heard, therefore, that he 
was sick, he still remained in the same place two 
days. Then after that he saith to his disciples : Let 
us go into Judea again. The disciples say to him : 
Kabbi, the Jews but now sought to stone thee, and 
goest thou thither again ?" 

How did Jesus answer them ? 
" Jesus answered : Are there not twelve hours of the 
day ? If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not, 
because he seeth the light of this world. These 
things he said, and after that he said to them ; Laza- 
rus, our friend sleepeth, but I go that I may awake 
him out of his sleep. His disciples therefore said : 
Lord if he sleep, he shall do well ; but Jesus spoke 
of his death, and they thought that he spoke of the 
'^repose of sleep. Then therefore Jesus said to them 
^plainly, Lazarus is dead; and I am glad for your 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 259 

sake that I was not there, that jou may believe, but 
let us go to him." 

What did Thomas say f 
*' Thomas, therefore, who is called Didymus, said to 
his fellow-disciples : Let us also go, that we may die 
with him. Jesus therefore came, and found that ho 
had been four days already in the grave." 

Where was Bethaniaf 
"Now Bethania was near Jerusalem, about fifteen 
furlongs off. And many of the Jews were come to 
Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their 
brother." 

What is said of Martha and 3Iary ? 
** Martha, therefore, as soon as she heard that Jesus 
was come, went to meet him, but Mary sat at home. 
Martha therefore said to Jesus : Lord, if thou hadst 
been here, my brother had not died ; but now, also, 
I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God 
will give it thee." 

What loas the remainder of the dialogue hetween 
Jesus and 3Iartlia f 

" Jesus saith to her : Thy brother shall rise again. 
Martha saith to him : I know that he shall rise ajraia 
in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to 
her, I am the resurrection and the life. He that be- 
lieveth in me, although he be dead, shall live, and 
every one that liveth and believeth in me shall not 
die for ever. Believest thou this ? She saith to 
him : Yea, Lord, I have believed that thou art Christ 
the Son of the living God, who o.rt come into this 
world." 

When she had said these things, what did Martha 
dof 

" And when she had said these things, she went and 
called her sister Mary secretly, saying. The master ift 
come and calleth for thee. She, as soon as she heard 
this, riseth quickly, and cometh to him ; for eTesus 



260 CATECHISM OF 

was not yet come into the town, but he was still in 
that place where Martha had met him." 

What is said of the Jews ? 
*' The Jews, therefore, who were with her in the house 
and comforted her, when they saw Mary that she rose 
up speedily, and went out, followed her, saying : She 
goeth to the grave to weep there." 

What is said of Mary ? 
" When Mary, therefore, was come where Jesus was, 
seeing him, she fell down at his feet, and saith to 
him : Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had 
not died." 

What did Jesus do ? 
" Jesus, therefore^ when he saw her weeping, and the 
Jews that were come with her, weeping, groaned in 
the spirit, and troubled himself, and said: Where 
have you laid him ? They said to him : Lord, come 
and see ; and Jesus wept." 

What did the Jeics say ? 
" The Jews therefore said : Behold how he loved 
him ; but some of them said ; Could not he that 
opened the eyes of the man born blind have caused 
that this man should not die ?" 

What followed? 
** Jesus, therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh 
to th-e sepulchre. Now it was a cave, and a stone 
was laid over it. Jesus saith : Take away the stone 
Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith to him, 
Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he is now of four 
days. Jesus saith to her : Did not I say to thee that 
if thou believe, thou shalt see the glory of God. 
They, took, therefore, the stone away, and Jesus lift- 
ing up his eyes, said : Father, I give thee thanks 
that thou hast heard me; and I knew that thou 
hearest me always, but because of the people who 
stand about have I said it, that they may believe 
that thou hast sent me. When he had said these 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 261 

tMngs, he cried with a loud voice: Lazarus, come 
forth." 

What hajypened iclien Jie had repeated these ivords f 
" And presently he that had been dead came forth ; 
bound feet and hands, with winding bands, and his 
face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said to 
them : Loose him and let him go. Many, therefore, 
of the Jews, who were come to Mary and Martha, 
and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in 
him." (John xi.) 

Did these great miracles seem to allay the animosity 
of the Jeics against our Divine Lord, and Tiiake them 
'ffelent in their evil designs f 

No ; on the contrary, they more earnestly sought his 
death, and Caiphas, the High Priest of that year, ad- 
vised his being put to death. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
ST. MARY Magdalen's forgiveness pronounced by 

OUR LORD. 

Relate the circumstances at length that are alluded 
to above of Mary^s anointing our Lord's feet f 
Our Lord being invited to the house of a Pharisee 
was at table with him when a woman, a sinner, hear- 
ing it, came in, bringing an alabaster box of precious 
ointment, and standing behind at his feet, she washed 
'them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair, 
and anointed them with the ointment, the perfume 
of which filled the whole house. 

What is said of the Pharisee f 
On seeing this, the Pharisee, who had invited him, 
said within himself: If this man were a prophet, he 
would know surely who, and what kind of woman 
this is. 

Ho'c did our Lord reply f 
Our Lord replying to this thought, said: Simon, 1 



262 CATEcmsM of 

have somewliat to say to thee. A certain creditor 
had two debtors, the one owed five hundred pence, 
and the other fifty ; and whereas, they had not where- 
with to pay, he forgave them both ; which, therefore, 
of the two loveth him most? 

What did Simon answer ? 
Simon replied that he supposed it was he to whom 
most was forgiven. 

What did our Lord fell Mm ? 
Our Lord told him he had answered correctly, and 
turning to the woman, he said to Simon : Dost thou 
see this woman ? I entered into thy house. Thou 
gavest me no water for my feet ; but she with tears 
hath washed my feet, and with her hair hath wiped 
them. Thou gavest me no kiss, but she, since she 
came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head 
with oil thou didst not anoint, but she with ointment 
hath anointed my feet. Wherefore I say to thee 
many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved 
much ; but to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less. 
And he said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee." 
(Luke vii.) 

What did Judas Iscariot say when he saw Mary 
Magdalen pour out the precious ointment on our 
Lord's feet? 

Why was this waste of the ointment ? Why was it 
not sold for three hundred pence, and given to "the 
poor ? which he said not, because he cared for the 
poor, but because he carried the purse, and was 
a thief. But our Lord himself undertook her de- 
fence, desiring her not to be molested, saying the 
poor were always among them, and when they 
wished they might serve them ; but him they had 
not always. He concluded by foretelling that wher- 
ever the gospel should be preached in the whole 
world, what she had done should be told in memory 
of her. 



SCRIFTURE HISTORY. 2Q3 

What did those at table say within themselves 
when they heard our Lord pronounce St. Mary Mag-^ 
dalen^s forgiveness f 
" Who is this that forgiveth sins also ?" 

What miracle did our Lord perform on a former 
occasion^ to prove, to those ivho questioned it^ that he 
had power to forgive sinf 

He cured a man afflicted with palsy, who was let 
down in a bed through the roof of the house in 
which he was giving instructions, for those who car- 
ried the patient could not get in at the door on ac- 
count of the crowd. When our Lord saw their faith, 
lie said, " Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." 

What did the Scribes think f 
The Scribes and Pharisees hearing these words, be- 
gan to think : " Who is this that speaketh blasphe- 
mies ? Who can forgive sins but God alone ?" 

What did our Lord reply and do ? 
Our Lord answering their thoughts, replied : " Which 
is easier to say, thy sins are forgiven thee ; or to say, 
arise and walk. But that you may know that the 
Son of Man hath power on eartli to forgive sins, 
(He saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say to thee, 
arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house." And 
immediately rising up before them, he took up the 
bed on which he lay, and went away to his own house 
glorifying God. 

What d.id our Lord say, ichen, notioithstanding 
the many miracles he lor ought, the Jews persisted in 
their unbelief, and even sought to tahe his life when 
he declared himself to be the Son of God f 
That their obstinacy and hatred were inexcusable, 
inasmuch as they had not only heard his doctrine, 
but witnessed his miracles, the like of which had 
never been done before. And that they had fulfilled 
the prophecy, " They hated me without cause.'' 
(Ps. xxiv. 19.) 



264 trATECHISM OF 

CHAPTEK XXXIV. 

ON THE SIGNS THAT ARE TO PRECEDE THE END OP THE 
WORLD. 

What did our Lord say iconld he the signs of the 
approaching end of the world f 
That there would be wars and rumors of wars, that 
nation would rise against nation, and kingdom against 
kingdom, and in many places earthquakes and fam- 
ines, and such tribulation as there was not the like 
from the beginning of the world ; after which, the 
sun and moon would be darkened, and the stars fall 
from heaven. 

In ivhat icay didj out Lord say he icould come at 
the end of the icorld f 

" Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in 
heaven, and then shall all tribes of the earth mourn, 
and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the 
clouds of heaven with much power and majesty. 
And he shall send his angels with a trumpet and a 
great voice, and they shall gather together his elect 
from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the 
heavens to the utmost bounds of them." (Matt, 
xxiv. 30, 31.) 

What did our Lord foretell would he the employ-* 
ment of the people at the end of the world? 
The same as at the time of the Deluge. 

In what manner did our Lord foretell he vjould 
address the just on his second coming ?■ 
" Come, ye blessed of my father, possess the kingdom 
prepared for you from the foundation of the world ; 
for I was hungry, and you gave me to eat ; I was 
thirsty, and you gave me to drink ; I was a stranger 
and you took me in ; naked and you covered me ; 
sick and you visited me ; I was in prison and you 
came to me. 



SCRIFTtJKE HISTORY. 265 

What then will the just ansiver f 
'* Then shall the just answer, saying : Lord when did 
we see thee hungry and fed thee ; thirsty, and gave 
thee drink : and when did we see thee a stranger 
and took thee in ; or naked and covered thee ; or 
when did we see thee sick or in prison and came to 
thee ? And the king answering shall say to them : 
Alien I say to you, as long as you did it to one of 
these my least brethren, you did it to me." 

What ivill our Lord say to the wicked at the last 
day f 

"Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire 
which was prepared for the devil and his angels. 
For I was hungry and you gave me not to eat ; I 
was thirsty and you gave m-e not to drink ; I was a 
stranger and you took me not in ; naked and you 
covered me not ; sick and in prison and you did not 
visit me. 

What shall they answer? 
" Then they also shall answer him, saying, Lord when 
did we see thee hungry or thirsty, or a stranger, or 
naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to 
thee ? Then he shall answer them saying. Amen I 
say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these 
least, neither did you do it to me." (Matt, xxv.) 

CHAPTEE XXXY. 

OUR LORD FORETELLS HIS APPROACHING PASSION. HIS 

REPLY WHEN CALLED ON FOR A SIGN SIMILAR TO THE 

MANNA. 

What did our Lord foretell Ms disciples when he 
had finished his instructions concerning their prepa- 
ration for the last judgment f 

He said to them, " You know that after two days 
shall be the Pasch, and the Son of Man shall be 
dr-livered up to be crucified." (Matt. xxvi. 2. 
23 



266 CATECHISM OF 

In tohat manner did our Lord enter Jerusalem a 
few days previous to the PascJi? 
Riding on a joung ass, on which his disciples had 
laid their garments: ma,ny also spread their gar- 
ments in the way, and others cut down boughs from 
the trees ; and all with one voice proclaimed : " Ho- 
ganna to the Son of David, blessed is he that cometh 
in the name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest." 

What prophecy luas fidfilled by our Lord^s enter-* 
ing Jerusalem in that manner f 
That of Zacharias : ^'Rejoice greatly daughter of 
tSion ; shout for joy daughter of Jerusalem, Be- 
hold thy King ivill come to thee, the Just and Saviour, 
he is poor ^ and riding upon an ass^, and upon a colt, 
the foal of an ass." (Zach. ix. 9.) 

On what day does the Church celehrate this tri- 
umphant entry of our Lord into Jerusalem f 
On Palm Sunday, when branches of palms or other 
evergreens are blessed and distributed among the 
faithful, who hold them in their hands during the 
reading of the Passion on that day, in commemora- 
tion of the event. 

Did the Jews long retain the sentiments they ex- 
pressed on the day our Lord entered Jerusalem amidst 
their acclamations ? 

No, in a few days after, they joined the chief priests 
and ancients in demanding of Pilate to put him to 
death ; and to overrule Pilate's objection to condemn 
a just person, cried out, " His blood be upon us and 
upon our children." 

How did the chief priests and ancients get our 
Lord into their power ? 

He was betrayed to them for thirty pieces of silver 
by Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles. The 
chief priests had long sought his death, but feared 
the people to arrest him publicly, and therefore glad- 
ly availed themselves of the treachery of Judas. 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 267 

What did our Lord reply when the Jews said to 
Tiim, What sign dost thou show that we may see and 
may helieve thee ; tchat dost thou work; our fathers 
did eat manna in the desert, as it is written, he gave 
them hread from heaven to eat f 
He replied : " Amen, amen I say to you, Moses gave 
you not bread from heaven, but my father giveth 
you the true bread from heaven : for the bread of 
God is that which cometh down from heaven, and 

giveth life to the world I am the bread of life, 

he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that 

believeth in me shall never thirst And this is 

the will of my father that sent me, that every one 
who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have 
life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last 
day." (John vi. 32.) 

What part of this did the Jews murmur at? 
At his saying, " I am the living bread which came 
down from heaven." 

What did our Lord answer to their murmurs f 
He repeated what he had said, adding, "If any 
man eat of this bread he shall live for ever ; and the 
bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the 
world." 

W hat fresh objection did the Jews raise f 
They said, *' How can this man give us his flesh to 
eat." 

What did our Lord reply to that f 
" Amen, amen I say unto you, except you eat the 
flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood you 
shall not have life in you ; he that eateth my flesh 
and drinketh my blood hath everlasting life, and I 
will raise him up in the last day ; for my flesh is 
meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed ; he that 
eateth vhj flesh and drinketh my blood, abideth in 
me an^ \ in him. As the living Father hath sent 
me, aj&^ I live by the father, so he that eateth me, 



268 CATECHISM OF 

the same also stall live bj me. This is the bread 
that came down from heaven ; not as your fathers 
did eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth this 
bread shall live for ever." (John vi. 54 to 59.) 

What did our Lord say to his disciples tchen he 
found that many of them also murmured at what he 
said? 

" Doth this scandalize you ; if then you see the Son 
of Man ascend up where he was before ? It is the 
spirit that quickeneth ; the flesh profiteth nothing ; 
the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and 
life ; but there are some of you that believe not. 
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were 
that did not believe, and who he was that would be- 
tray him. And he said, therefore did I say to you 
that no man can come to me unless it be given him 
by my father." 

What effect had these words of our Lord on his 
disciples f 
Many of them deserted him. 

What did our Lord say to the twelve when he saw 
the others leave him? 

" Will you also go away ?" to which Simon Peter 
replied, " Lord to whom shall we go ? Thou hast 
the words of eternal life ; and we have believed and 
have known that thou art the Christ the Son of 
God." (Johnvi. 68 to 70.) 

CHAPTER XXXYI. 

OUR LORD DIRECTS HIS APOSTLES TO PREPARE THE 
PASCH. HE INSTITUTES THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 

What directions did our Lord give his disciples 
about preparing the Pasch f 

He desired Peter and John to go into the city, and 
follow a man whom they should meet carrying a 



i 



i 



SCRIPTUKU; HISTORY. 269 

pitcher of water, and ask the master of the house 
into which he should enter for a room in which to 
prepare the Pasch, telling them he would show them 
a large dining-room furnished. They did as our 
Lord directed, and found every thing as he had said, 
and made ready the Pasch, to which he with the 
twelve apostles came at the appointed hour in the 
evening. 

What did our Lord say to his apostles ivhen they 
were about to eat the Pasch ? 

" With desire, I have desired to eat this Pasch with 
you before I suffer, for T say to you that from this 
time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the king- 
dom of God." 

What remarlcahle act of humility did ottr Lord 
perform on that occasion f 

He arose from table, laid aside his garments, and 
Laving girded himself with a towel, poured water into 
a basin and washed the feet of his apostles. 

What did St. Peter say when he saw his Divine 
blaster approach to wash his feet? 
" Lord dost thou wash my feet ? Thou shalt never 
wash my feet." But on our Lord's saying: "If I 
wash thee not thou shalt have no part with me.'' 
St. Peter replied : *' Lord, not only my feet, but also 
my hands and my head." 

What did our Lord say when he sat down to tahle 
again after washing his disciples' feet ? 
** Know ye what I have done to you ? You call me 
Master and Lord, and you say well for so I am : if 
then I being your Lord and Master have washed 
your feet, you ought also to wash one another's feet ; 
for I have given you an example, that as I have done 
to you so you do also." 

What did our Lord foretell his apostles on that 
occasion as a further proof of his being the Messias? 
That one of them was about to betray him ; and the 
23* 



270 TATECHISM OF 

Scripture would be fulfilled which says : " He tJiat 
eateth bread icitJi me shall lift up his heel against me. 
The Son of 3Iau indeed goeth as it is written of him ; 
but wo to that man by whom the Son of 3Ian shall 
be betrayed ; it were better for him if that man had 
not been born." 

What clicl the apostles say? 
Being very much troubled each asked, " Is it I, Lord ?" 
And even Judas, who betrayed him, said : " Is it T, 
Kabbi V" To whom our Lord rejDlied : " Thou hast 
said it." 

What did our Lord when he and his apostles had 
eaten the Pasch and fully accomplished the ceremonies 
prescribed by the old law? 

*' Taking bread he gave thanks, and brake ; and gave 
to them, saying, This is my body which is given 
for you, do this for a commemoration of me. In 
like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, 
saying : This is the chalice, the new testament in my 
blood which shall be shed for you." 

Does any other apostle allude to the Last Supper 
of our Lord ? 

Yes ; St Paul, in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, 
eleventh chapter, says : " I have received of the Lord 
that which also I have delivered unto you, that the 
Lord Jesus the same night in which he was be- 
trayed took bread, and giving thanks, broke and said : 
Take ye and eat, this is my body which shall be de- 
livered for you; this do for the commemoration of 
me. In like manner also the chalice, after he had 
supped, saying : This chalice is the new testament in 
my blood ; this do ye as often as you shall drink foi 
the commemoration of me. For as often as you shall 
eat this bread and drink the chalice you shall show 
the death of the Lord until he come. Therefore 
whosoever shall eat this bread or drink the chalice 
of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body 



SCRIPTUKE HISTORY. 271 

and of the blood of the Lord. But let a man prove 
himself, and so let hmi eat of that bread and drink 
of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh un- 
worthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself 
not discerning the body of the Lord." 

What commandment did our Lord give his ajios- 
ties, and hy pre-eminence call his oicn, ichen he had 
•instituted the blessed Eucharist? 
To love one another as he had loved them. He on 
that occasion foretold them the sufferings they should 
meet for his sake, exhorted them to constancy, and 
comforted them in the grief they felt at hearing he 
was soon to be tdien from them, hj telling them 
that he was going to prepare a place for them ; as 
where he was they should be, and that he would send 
them the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth, to instruct 
and guide them. 

CHAPTEK XXXYII. 

OUR lord's agony in the GAEDEN THE TREACHERY 

OE JUDAS — ST. Peter's denial. 

Whither did our Lord lead hi^ discijjles when he 
had finished his last instructions^ and had prayed 
for them f 

Across the brook Kedron to the garden of Geth- 
semani. 

What did our Lord say to his disciples while on 
their way to Getlisemani? 

" All you shall be scandalized in me this night ; for 
it is written : / loill strike the shepherd ^ and the 
sheep of the floch shall he dispersed. But after 1 
shall be risen again, I will go before you into Gali- 
lee." 

What did St. Peter reply f 
*' Although all shall be scandalized in thee, I will 



272 CATECH1»M OF 

never be scandalized ; yea, though I should die witls. 
thee, I will not deny thee." 

What did our Lord say to St. Peter ? 
'' Amen, I say to thee that in this night before tho 
cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice." 

What did our Lord xohen he reached Gethsemanif 
Leaving the disciples at some distance, except Peter, 
James, and John, formerly witnesses of his Trans- 
figuration, now chosen to witness his agony ; he told 
them that his soul was sorrowful even unto death, and 
desired them to stay and watch with him. Then 
going forward a little and falling on his face, he 
prayed, saying : " My father, if it be possible, lei this 
chalice pass from me ; nevertheless not as I will but 
as thou wilt." 

When our Lord returned to Ms three chosen disci" 
pies, how did he find them? 

He found them asleep, and said to Peter : " What, 
could you not watch one hour with me ? Watch ye 
and pray, that ye enter not into temptation ; the 
spirit, indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 

Did they watch during the remainder of the time? 

No ; for when our Lord returned to them during his 

prayer a second and third time they were also asleep. 

How was our Lord affected during his prayer in 

the garden ? 

His mental suifering was so intense, that it produced 
a bloody sweat, which trickled down over his body 
in great drops to the ground ; during it an angel 
from heaven came to comfort him. 

What occurred at the close of our LordJs jpray&i 
and agony in the garden ? 

Judas, one of the twelve, came, accompanied by 8« 
armed multitude sent by the chief priests and aji- 
cients to apprehend our Lord. And lest he might ri- 
cape in the darkness, or some one else be apprehendf 4 
in mistake, Judas had given them a sign, that tVl 



BCEIPTCJRE HISTOKr. 273 

Vvrbon whom lie should kiss was he, and immediately 
i^ing to our Lord, he said: "Hail Rabbi/' and 
>:issed him. 

D-id our Lord resent the treachery and r^roach 
Judas for it f 

No : he ijieekly said : Friend, whereto art thou come..^ 
J^jjdas, dost thou betray the Son of Man with a kiss ? 

How did the rest of the disciples act ? 
At firs' they made a faint resistance, and St. Peter, 
drawing a sword, cut off the right ear of Malchus, 
Eorvant to the high priest ; but our Lord desired them 
to desist^ and touching the servant's ear, healed it. 
Then the disciples leaving him all fled away, and our 
Lord was led prisoner to the high priest's house, 
where the ancients were assembled, determined to 
condemn him. 

Did any of the disci/plcs follow our Lord to the 
high priest's? 

Yes; one whose name is not mentioned, and St. 
Peter, who followed at a distance, and entering, stood 
with the officers and servants at a fire, waiting the 
result of the trial. 

What occurred whilst St. Peter was at the fire ? 
The portress accused him of having been with our 
Lord ; but St. Peter denied it, saying : " Woman, I 
know him not." A little while after, another repeated 
the charge, and again St. Peter denied. About an 
hour after, some others affirmed the same, and amongst 
them a kinsman of Malchus ; but St. Peter repeated 
the denial, and immediately the cock crew : then re^ 
membering the word our Lord had spoken : " Before 
the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice." He weat 
out and wept bitterly. 



274 CATECHISM OV 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

CHRIST BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST AND COUNCIL. ^THB 

DESPAIR OF JUDAS. 

.Hoio did the Sigh Priest and council treat cwr 
Lord? 

To give some show of justice to their proceedings, 
they summoned a great many witnesses to give tes- 
timony against him ; but their evidence was so con- 
tradictory, that the judges, though anxious, could not 
condemn him. At length the High Priest observing 
that our Lord maintained profound silence, rising up, 
said : " I adjure thee, by the living God, that thou 
tell us if thou be the Christ the Son of God." 

How did our Lord answer ^ and what did the Sigh 
Priest say f 

Our Lord replied in the affirmative, adding : " Here- 
after you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the 
right hand of the power of God, and coming in the 
clouds of heaven." Then the High Priest rent his. 
garments, saying, " He hath blasphemed, what fur- 
ther need have we of witnesses ? Behold now you 
have heard the blasphemy. What think you ?" they 
answered, " He is guilty of death." 

Sow did the attendants then treat our Lord? 
Most injuriously and cruelly. They blindfolded and 
buffeted him. Some spat in his face, and others 
struck him in the face, saying, *' Prophesy unto us, 
Christ, who, is he that struck thee ?" Which cruel 
mockery it is supposed they continued until morn- 
ing, when the High Priest and ancients re-assem- 
bled, and delivered our Lord to the Roman governor 
to be executed. 

Why did they not put him to death themselves, 
as they were so desirous of it ? 
The death prescribed by the Jewish law was by 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 275 

gtoning ; and it would appear that power over life 
was no longer possessed by the Jewish nation, for 
when the priests and ancients accused our Lord to 
Pilate, he desired them to judge him according to 
their law, to which they replied: "It is not lawful 
for us to put any man to death." 

What does St. John add, &c. f 
And St. John adds, " That the word of Jesus might 
1)6 fulfilled, which he said signifying what death he 
should die." For our Lord had foretold his disciples 
that he would be betrayed to the chief priests who 
would condemn him to death, and deliver him to the 
gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified. 

How did Judas act when he found that the chief 
priests had condemned our Lord and delivered him 
to Pontius Pilate? 

Full of remorse, he brought back the thirty pieces 
of silver, saying to the chief priests and ancients : 
" I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." But 
these unfeeling wicked men replying : " What is that 
to us, look thou to it." The unfortunate Judas went 
and hanged himself in despair. 

What use did the chief priests make of the thirty 
pieces of silver vjhich Judas returned ? 
They bought with them the potter's field to be a 
burying place for strangers, for which reason it was 
called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood. Then 
was the prophecy fulfilled which says, " They took 
the thirty pieces of silver," &c. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

HHRIST IS DELIVERED TO PILATE, WHO CONDEMNS HIM 
TO BE CRUCIFIED. 

How did our Lord act while the chief priests and 
ancients clamorously accused him to Pilate f 
He maintained a profound silence, not saying so 



276 t7"ATECHISM O^ 

much as one word to rslear himself of any of tlie false 
imputations they alleged, fulfilling that of the pro- 
phet : "He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, 
and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and 
he shall not open his mouth." 

Did. Pilate make any effort to rescue oiir Divine 
Lord ? 

He did, but he acted so weakly and irresolutely, that 
he only increased our Lord's sufferings. Seeing the 
inveterate malice of our Lord's enemies, and their 
inability to prove anything against him, he expostu- 
lated, saying he found no cause in him, and that he 
would chastise him, and let him go, particularly as 
Herod, to whom he had sent our Lord, had not con- 
demned, but only mocked and derided him. 

What did Pilate order ? 
Pilate accordingly ordered him to be scourged, which 
was most cruelly done, and the soldiers adding insult 
to cruelty, platted a crown of thorns, which they 
pressed on his sacred head, and clothing him in a 
pm-ple garment as a mock king with a reed for his 
sceptre, scornfully bent the kne-e before him, saying : 
** Hail King of the Jews I" 

What did the Jeics say when Pilate hrought forth 
our Lord to them in this sori^oicful condition ? 
They cried out : " Crucify him, crucify him ;" but 
Pilate being still anxious to save him, and knowing 
that the chief priests had delivered him up out of 
envy, proposed to the people to choose whether they 
would have him or Barr abbas, a notorious robber, 
released. They, at the instigation of the chief priests 
and elders, chose Barrabbas, and with loud voices 
demanded the crucifixion of our Lord. Their voices 
prevailed over Pilate, and he gave our Lord up to 
their will, whom they led forth with his cross laid on 
his mangled shoulders. 



SCRIPTURE HlSTORr. 277 

Whom did the Jews oblige to assist our Lord in 
tarrying his cross? 

Simon of Cjrene, father of Alexander and Eufus, 
who happened at the time to be coming from the 
country. 

Were any malefactors crucified with our Lord? 
Yes, two thieves, who were placed one at each side, 
by which the prophecy was fulfilled : " He was re- 
puted with the wicked." 

What inscription did Pilate 'place on our L(YrW% 
cross ? 

"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." It was 
written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin ; and gave of- 
fence to the chief priests, who expostulated with 
Pilate, but could not induce him to alter it. 

ffoio long did 02tr Lord hang on the cross before 
he expired? 

Three hours, during which his blessed mother and 
beloved disciple stood by, sorrowfully witnessing his 
sufferings, and listening to the scoffs and insults of 
the wicked multitude. 

What did the soldiers with his clothes ? 
They divided them among them and cast lots for his 
coat, which was without seam ; by which was fulfill- 
ed the prophecy : ''They divided my garments, ^^ &c, 

CHAPTER XL. 
Christ's last words and death. 

Lid our Lord ^peah during his three hours'' agony 
on the cross ? 

He did ; the evangelists record his having spoken 
seven words. 

Which was the first ivord? 
It was a prayer for his enemies. " Father forgive 
them, for they know not what they do." 
24 



278 CATECHISM OF 

What was the second icord f 
The second was addressed to the penitent thief, who 
was crucified with him : " This day thou shalt bo 
with me in Paradise." 

Repeat the third icordf 
" Woman, behold thy Son ;" which he addressed to 
liis blessed mother on seeing her and his beloved 
disciple standing by his cross ; thus recommending 
us all in the person of St. John to her maternal soli- 
tude. Then addressing his beloved disciple, he said : 
" Behold thy mother ;" and he from that hour took 
her to his own home. 

What was the fourth icordf 
" Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani," the interpretation of 
which is, " My Grod, my Grod, why hast thou forsaken 
me ?" This is a quotation from the Twenty-first 
Psalm, and if the Jews even then reflected, they 
would see that they were fulfilling what was foretold 
in that Psalm. But those who were present imagine 
ing that our Lord invoked Elias, said : " Stay, let us 
see if Elias will come to him." 

What teas the fifth icordf 
" I thirst ;" by which he proclaimed not only his 
corporal thirst, but his spiritual thirst for the salva- 
tion of souls, yet little relief was offered him in either; 
for the first, he was presented with vinegar and gall ; 
and for the second, notwithstanding all his sufi*er- 
ings, how many live at variance with his divine 
maxims. 

What did our Lord say when he had tasted the 
vinegar f 

" It is consummated," for by it was fulfilled the pro- 
phecy, " In my thirst they gave me vinegar," &c., 
which was the immediate prelude to his death. 

What were our Divine Lord^s last icords f 
" Father into thy hands I commend my spirit," which 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 279 

having said in a loud voice, bowing his sacred head, 
he gave up the Ghost. 

On lohat day does the Clturch commemGrate the 
death of our Divine Lord ? 

On Good Friday, when the churches are hung in 
mourning. 

Why do you call that day good on lohich Christ 
suffered such a painful and ignominious death f 
Because on that day, by dying on the cross, he 
showed the excess of his love and purchased every 
blessing for us. 

Did any 'phenomena occur at the death of Christ ? 
There was darkness over the earth from the sixth to 
the ninth hour : at the ninth hour, when our Lord 
expired, the veil of the temple was rent from the top 
to the bottom ; the earth trembled, and many of the 
dead arose. 

What did the centurion and those who were with 
him say, when they witnessed the eaiihquahe and the 
things that icere done ? 

They were greatly terrified and said : " Indeed this 
was the Son of God." 

Did the malefactors crucified loith our Lord expire 
as soon as he? 

No ; for which reason their legs were broken, as the 
Jews objected to their remaining on the cross on the 
Sabbath ; but when they saw that our Lord was al- 
ready dead, they did not break his legs, but a soldier 
f>ierced his side with a spear, and blood and water 
issued from the wound. 

What prophecies were fill filled hy this? 
One that said, " You shall not break a bone of him ;'* 
and another : " They shall look on him whom they 
have pierced " 



280 CATECHISM OF 

CHAPTER XLI 
OUR lord's burial and resurrection. 

Who tooh cliarge of our LordJs hurial ? 
Joseph of Arimathea, assisted by Nicodemiis, wha 
brought a ^uixtiire of myrrh and aloes, about a hun- 
dred pounds weight, which they wrapped with our 
Lord's body in fine linen. 

Wliere did they hury our Lord f 
In a new sepulchre belonging to Joseph of Arima- 
thea, in which no one had ever been laid. It was 
hewed out of a rock, and was in a garden in the 
vicinity. 

What request did the chief priests and Pharisees 
mahe to Pilate ichen our Lord teas huriedf 
To have the sepulchre guarded until the third day, 
lest the disciples should steal the body, and then 
pretend that our Lord had risen according to his 
prediction. 

Lid Pilate grant this request ? 
He did, giving them a guard and full authority to 
take all the precautions they should deem necessary. 
So they made the sepulchre sure, sealing the great 
stone in front, and setting guards. 

What effect teas produced hy all these precautions 
of the chief priests? 

They only made the miracle of the resurrection in- 
contestible, and those who endeavored to conceal it 
inexcusable. For about dawn on the morning of the 
third day, an angel descending from heaven rolled 
back the stone and sat upon it. His countenance 
was as lightning, and his raiment as snow, and for 
fear of him the guards being struck with terror be- 
came as dead men. 

What did the angel say to the women ? • 



SCRIPTURK HISTORY. 281 

But turning to the holy women, among whom was 
Mary Magdalen, who had just arrived at the sepul- 
chre with spices to anoint the body of our Lord, 
the angel said to them : " Fear not you, for I know 
that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not 
here, for he is risen as he said. Come and see the 
place where the Lord was laid ; and going quickly, 
tell ye his disciples that he is risen, and behold he 
will go before you into Gralilee. There you shall see 
him. Lo I have foretold it to you." 

How did the guards act tchen they recovered from 
the first effects of their panic f 

They fled away. Some of them went into the city, 
and told the chief priests all that had been done, 
who being assembled with the ancients consulted 
together, and gave the soldiers a great sum of mo- 
ney, desiring them to say, that while they slept, his 
disciples came by night and stole him away. To 
which the soldiers agreed, on condition that the 
priests and ancients should secure them from blame 
if the governor should hear the report and call them 
to account. 

How did St. Mary Magdalen act, when she per- 
ceived the sepulchre open, and that our Lord was not 
there ? 

Apparently insensible and indifferent to the vision 
of the angel, as soon as she saw that our Lord was 
not in the sepulchre, she ran back to St. Peter and 
John, saying : " They have taken away the Lord out 
of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have 
laid him." Then returning immediately, she re- 
mained at the sepulchre weeping. 

What did St. Peter and St. John on hearing St. 
Mary Magdalen^ s announcement? 
They at once ran to the sepulchre, which St. John 
reached first, yet went not in ; but St. Peter^ on ar- 
riving, entered ; St. John followed, and both gaw tko 
24* 



282 CATECHISM OF 

linen clotlis lying, and the napkin that had been 
about his head, not lying with the linen cloths but 
apart, and they believed, though the evangelist adds, 
" They as yet knew not the Scripture that he must 
rise again from the dead. 

CHAPTEE XLII. 

APPARITION OF OUR DIVTNE LORD TO ST. MARY MAQ 
DALEN AND HIS APOSTLES ON THE DAY OE HIS RESUR- 
RECTION. 

Did Saint Mary Magdalen remain at the sepulchre 
after St. Peter and St. John returned homef 
She did, and while she was still weeping, she stooped 
down, and looking into the sepulchre saw two angels 
in white, sitting one at the head and one at the feet 
where the body of our Lord had been laid. They 
said to her : " Woman, why weepest thou ?" She 
replied : " Because they have taken away my Lord, 
and I know not where they have laid him." Then 
turning back she saw our Lord himself standing but 
did not know him ; he said to her, " Woman, why 
weepest thou, whom seekest thou ?" She, thinking 
it was the gardener, sa:id, " Sir, if thou hast taken 
him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and 1 
will take him away." Jesus said to her, " Mary ;'^ 
She immediately recognized him, and in a transport 
of joy, turning, said, " Rabboni," that is, Master. 

What did our Lord say to her f 
Our Lord said to her, " Do not touch me, for I am 
not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my breth- 
ren, and say to them, I ascend to my Father and to 
your Father, to my God and 3^our God." 

Did our Lord appear to the other holy women icho 
had accompamed St. Mary Magdalen on her first 
visit to the sepidchre f 
He did, when they were returning from the sepal- 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 283 

clire with haste to relate to the disciples the happy 
tidings communicated to them by the angel, our 
Lord met them and addressed them: "All hail;" 
they took hold of his feet and adored him. He bid 
them fear nothing, and to tell his brethren they 
ehould see him in Galilee. 

Did the apostles believe the report of Saint Ma/ry 
Magdalen and the other holy loomen when they aS' 
sorted that they had seen our Lord, and repeated 
what he had said to them f 
No ; they considered what they said as only idle tales. 

To ivhom did our Lord next aj^pear f 
To two disciples who were going from Jerusalem to 
Emmaus, a town sixty furlongs distant. They were 
conversing of our Lord and were joined by him on 
the way, but their eyes being held they did not at 
first know him. 

Relate the ijartimdars f 
While the two disciples were talking of what had 
been done to our Lord, he himself drew near and 
aaked : " What are these discourses that you hold 
•with one another as you walk and are sad." One 
of them named Cleophas replied : ''Art thou only a 
Ftranger in Jerusalem and hast not known the things 
that have been done there in these days ?" To whom 
he said : '' What things ?" They replied : " Con- 
cerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty 
in work and word before God and all the people, and 
how our chief priests delivered him to be condemned 
io death and crucified him. But we hoped that it 
was he that should have redeemed Israel ; and now 
besides all this, to-day is the third day since these 
things were done. Yea, and certain women also of 
our company affrighted us, who, before it was light 
were at the sepulchre, and not finding his body, 
came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of 
angels, who say that he is alive ; and some of our 



284 CATECHliSM Ofr 

people Trent to the sepulchre, and found it so as the 
women had said, but him they found not." 

What then did he say to them ? 
Then he said to them : " 0, foolish, and slow ot 
heart, to believe in all things which the prophets 
have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered 
these things, and so to enter into his glory ?" And 
beginning at 3Ioses and all the prophets, he ex- 
pounded to them in all the Scriptures the things 
that were concerning him. And thev di'ew nigh to 
the town whither thev were going, and he made as 
though he would go fui'ther, but they constrained 
him, saying: Stay with us, because it is towards 
evening, and the day is now far spent ; and he went 
in with them. 

What came to pass while he icas at table? 
And it came to pass whilst he was at table with 
them, he took bread and blessed and brake and gave 
to them. And their eyes were opened, and they 
knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. And 
they said one to the other : TTas not our heart burn- 
ing within us whilst he spoke in the way and opened 
to us the Scriptures ? And rising up the same hour, 
they went back to Jerusalem, and they found the 
eleven gathered together, and those that were with 
them, savinor : The Lord is risen, indeed, and hath 
appeared to Simon. (Luke xxiv.) 

What otlier appearance of our Lord is recorded to 
have tahen place on tlie day of the Resurrection? 
On the evening of the day of the Kesurrection, while 
the disciples were assembled together conversing on 
the various reports they had heard of the resurrec- 
tion, and listening to the last which was related by 
the two disciples from Emmaus, om- Lord stood in the 
midst, and said to them : " Peace be to you ; it is I, 
fear not ;" but they being troubled and frightened, 
thought they saw a spirit, and he said to them: 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 285 

" Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in 
your hearts ? See my hands and my feet that it 'm 
I myself; handle and see, for a spirit hath not flesh 
and bones as you see me to have." And when he 
had said this, he showed them his hands and feet ; 
but while they yet believed not, and wondered for 
joy, he said: "Have you here anything to eat?'' 
and they offered him a piece of broiled fish and a 
honeycomb: and when he had eaten before them, 
taking the remains, he gave to them. 

What did our Lord say to Ms disciples on this 
occasion f 

He reminded them of what he had before told 
them, that all things should be fulfilled which were 
written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and 
in the Psalms concerning him. Then he opened 
their understanding, that they might understand the 
Scriptures, and he said to them : Thus it is written, 
and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise 
again from the dead the third day ; and that penance 
and remission of sins should be preached in his name 
unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke xxiv.) 

What did Jie again say to tlieni f 
He said to them again : " Peace be to you, as the 
Father hath sent me, I also send you :" when he hlid 
said this, he breathed on them and said : " Receive 
ye the Holy Ghost, whose sins you shall forgive they 
are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain, 
they are retained." (John xx. 21.) 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

OTHER APPARITIOXS OF OUR DIVINE LORD. UE GTVE3 

CHARGE OF IIIS FLOCK TO ST. PETER. HIS ASCEN- 
SION INTO HEAVEN. 

Were any of the disciples absent on this occasion f 
Yes; Thomas, one of the twelve, was absent; and 



286 CATECHISM OF 

being told by tbe rest that they had seen the Lord, 
he said he would not believe unless he saw in his 
hands the print of the nails, and put his finger into 
the place of the nails, and put his hand into his side. 

Did our Divine Lord condescend to Ms disciple's 
weakness ? 

He did ; on that day week the disciples being as- 
sembled and Thomas with them, our Lord came, the 
doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said; 
*' Peace be to you." Then turning to St. Thomas, 
he said : " Put in thy finger hither, and see my 
hands and bring hither thy hand and put it into my 
side, and be not faithless but believing^:" Then St. 
Thomas said to him : '' My Lord and my Grod." Our 
Lord replied : " Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, 
thou hast believed ; blessed are they that have not 
seen and have believed." 

When did our Lord next manifest himself to his 
\ . disciples f 
^ 'A When they were on the sea of Tiberias, fishing ; they 
had toiled the whole night and had caught nothing. 
In the morning our Lord accosted them from the 
shore, asking had they caught any thing. On theii 
replying, no, he desired them to cast the net on the 
right side ; they did so, and immediately the net was 
filled. St. John, who was of the party, seeing the 
draught of fishes, said to St. Peter : " It is the Lord ;" 
on hearing which St. Peter threw himself into the 
sea and swam towards him : the other disciples fol- 
lowed in the ship dragging the net. 

When they came ashore, ichat folloiced? 
As soon as they came ashore they saw hot coals lying 
and a fish laid thereon and bread. Jesus said to 
them : " Bring hither of the fishes which you have now 
caught." St. Peter went and drew the net to land, 
full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three ; 
and although there were so many the net did not 



SCRIPTUKE HISTORY. 287 

break. Jesus said to them : " Come and dine :" 
and none of them durst ask him : " Who art Thou ?■ 
knowing that it was the Lord. 

What did our Lord say to St. Peter when dinner 
was over f 

" Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than 
these ?" He replied : " Yea, Lord, thou knowest 
that I love thee." Jesus said: ''Feed my lambs.'' 
Again, he said : " Simon, son of John, lovest thou 
me ?" St. Peter replied as before ; and our Lord 
again said : " Feed my lambs." The third time our 
Lord asked the same question, at which St. Peter was 
troubled, and said : " Lord, thou knowest all things, 
thou knowest that I love thee." Our Lord said : 
" Feed my sheep." After which he signified to him 
by what death he should glorify God. 

What did our Lord say to the eleven when they 
repaired to Galilee to meet him on the Mount accord^ 
ing to his appointment f 

All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. 
Going therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have commanded you, and behold I am 
with you all days, even to the consummation of the 
world. (Matt, xxviii. 18.) 

Did our Lord appear on any other occasion to his 
disciples before he ascended into heaven ? 
Yes : St. Paul relates that he appeared to more than 
five hundred brethren assembled together. ( 1 Cor. 
XV. 6.) 

On what day does the Church commemorate ths 
Resurrection of our Lord ? 
On Easter Sunday. 

How long did our Lord remain on earth after hi$ 
Resurrection ? 



288 CATECHISM OF 

Forty days, to show that he was truly risen from th^ 
dead, and to instruct his apostles ? 

At the end of the forty days whither did our Lord 

He ascended from Mount Olivet with his body and 
soul into heaven. 

CHAPTEE XLIY. 

SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE BOOKS OP HOLY SCRIPTURE. 

What 'part of the Bible is called the New Testa* 
mentj and lohy is it so called ? 

The New Testament, so called to distinguish it from 
the Old, which was compiled by Moses, the prophets, 
and other inspired writers before the coming of 
Christ, contains an account of the life of our Lord, 
the principal events of the first thirty years after his 
ascension, the epistles of some of the apostles, and 
the Revelations of St. John, or the Apocalypse. 

What is that part called ichich contains an ac* 
count of our LorcVs life until his Ascensiom ? 
The Grospel, as also the four Grospels, because written 
by four evangelists, SS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 
John. 

What is that part called which contains an account 
of the first thirty years of Christianity after our 
Lord^s Ascension? 
The Acts of the Apostles. 

At tvhat time after our Lord^s Ascension did St, 
Mattheio write his gospel ? 

About six or eight years after. St. Jerom says that 
he wrote it at the request of those Jews who had 
embraced Christianity. St. Epiphanius thinks that 
it was at the desire of the other apostles. He com- 
mences by tracing the genealogy of our Lord, ac- 
cording to the flesh, to Abraham, through the family 
of David and tribe of Juda. 



^3CKIPTrJRE msTORr. 289^ 

When did St. Marh tnrife his gospel ? 
About ten years after our Lord's Ascension ; and it 
IS generally thought at Eome, at the request of the 
JRomans. 

When did St. Inike icrite his gospel ? 
About twenty years after our Lord's Ascension. He 
•wrote it in order to counteract the evil likely to arise 
from some fabulous histories of Christ which were 
at that time published. St. Luke also wrote the 
Acts of the Apostles about ten years later than his 
gospel. 

When did St. John write his gospel ? 
About sixty-three years after our Lord's Ascension. 
Some of the ancient Fathers say that he wrote it at 
the earnest request of the brethren, to confute those 
who denied the Divinity of Christ and his pre- 
existence before his temporal birth. St. John also 
wrote three epistles and the Apocalypse. 

How are the evangelists considered to he prefigured f 
By the four mystical creatures described in the vision : 
of Ezekiel, the same are also described in the Reve- 
lations of St. John. St. Augustine makes the lion, 
the symbol of St. Matthew, who explains the royal 
dignity of Christ. Others ascribe it to St. Mark, 
and the man is supposed to be the symbol of St. 
Matthew, who begins his gospel with Christ's human 
generation. The calf typifies St. Luke, who begins, 
his gospel with the mention of the priesthood, ths' 
calf being a victim of sacrifice ; and the eagle, St^ 
John, who soars up to the contemplation of the-i 
tternal generation of the Word 
S5 



290 CATECHISM OF 

CHAPTEE XLY. 

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. 

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY CROSS. 

What does this hook treat off 
'Of the principal events in the first thirty years after 
our Lord's Ascension. 

What were they? 
The election of Matthias. The descent of the Holy 
Ghost ; the assembling and acts of the first council. 
The increase of the Church by means of the preach- 
ing of St. Peter and St. Paul; an account of the 
■eonversion of the latter, the martyrdom of St. Ste- 
phen, and The sufferings of some of the early Chris- 
tians under the persecutions that were raised. 

How did the apostles act after our Lord's Ascen* 
sion ? 

They retired to the upper part of a house in Jeru- 
salem, where, in company with the Mother of our 
Lord and others of the faithful they persevered in 
'prayer, expecting the fulfilment of our Lord's pro- 
»mise to send the Holy Ghost ; and in the meantime 
■they filled the place vacated by the fall of Judas. 

Who proposed to them to fill the vacancy ? 
';St. Peter ; and they selected two, Joseph, surnamed 
^Justus, and Matthias, and praying that God would 
manifest his will, they gave them lots ; and the lot 
falling on Matthias, he was numbered with the eleven 
■apostles. 

Hoio long after the ascension of our Lord did th4 
Holy Ghost descend on the apostles? 
Ten days, and fifty ifter his Resurrection. The feast 
is kept by the Church^on Whit-Sunday, otherwise 
called Pentecost 

Descriue the coming of the Holy Ghost ? 
** When the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, 



SCfRIPTITRE HISTORY. 291 

tliey were all together in one place, and suddenly 
there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty wind 
coming, and it filled the whole house where they 
were sitting. And there appeared to them parted 
tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one 
of them; and they were all filled with the Holy 
Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues 
according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak." 
(Acts ii. 1.) 

What did the people, at that time assemhled in 
Jerusalem^ from various nations^ saij, when they 
heard the apostles speaking different languages f 
Some were astonished, and inquired into the mean- 
ing ; others mocked, saying they were intoxicated. 

Which of the apostles explained the matter to the 
multitudes f 

St. Peter, who informed them that what they then 
witnessed was what the prophet Joel had foretold : 
and having quoted the words of the prophecy, he 
took occasion to preach the coming, death, and Re- 
surrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so effica- 
ciously exhorted and admonished them, that about 
three thousand were converted on the spot and bap- 
tized. 

CHAPTEK XLYI. " ' 

MANNERS OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS AND MIRACLES 
PERFORMED BY THE APOSTLES. 

What kind of life did the early Christians lead ? 
One of great piety and simplicity; they had all 
things in common, those who had possessions and 
goods sold them, and laid the price at the feet of the 
apostles, who divided it according to the necessities 
of each. 

What two jpersons unhappily yielded to temptation 
hy pretending to lay the price of the fie they sold at 



292 rATlLCFISM OF 

the feet of the ajwiides W:v the rest, hut fraudidently 
keeping hack a j^art f 

Ananias and his wife Sajihira ; the former came in 
first, and, being reprehended bj St. Peter, fell down 
and died. In about three hours after, Saphira, not 
knowing what had passed, came in, and being ques- 
tioned by St. Peter, made the same statement as her 
husband, on which reprehending her for her deceit, 
he told her that they who had carried out her hus- 
band, and who had only just returned from burying 
him, should also carry her out. Immediately she 
fell down and died, and they buried her by her hus- 
band. ^ 

Did the apostles perform great and frequent miro' 
clcs? 

They did. It was by miracles their divine mission 
was proved, and according to our Lord's promise, 
they performed as great as he did whilst on earth. 

Relate some of them? 
St. Peter and St. John going into the Temple by the 
gate which was called Beautiful, saw a man begging 
who was lame from his birth, and who used to be 
daily carried there to ask alms of those who went in. 
St. Peter looking at him said : " Silver and gold I 
Lave none ; but what I have I give thee ; in the 
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk;" 
and taking him by the hand, he raised him. Ani 
the man immediately leaping up, went into the Tem- 
ple with them, walking and leaping, and praising God. 

What did St. Peter say to the multitudes thai 
collected round Mm and St. John^ wondering at the 
miracle that had heen wrought? 
That the lame man had been cured through faith, in 
the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of Grod, the author 
of life, whom they and their rulers had put to death, 
but whom Grod had raf.sod from the dead. And 
quoting the prophet^, he showed that what they had 



SCRH'TUEE HISTORY. 293 

foretold had been done to Christ. He then earnest- 
ly exhorted them to sincere conversion, and great 
numbers believed. 

How did the priests and the Sadducees act when 
they found the apostles preaching to the people f 
They put them in prison for the nighty and on the 
next morning brought them before the council, in 
A^hich Annas, the High Priest, and Caiphas presided ; 
(or they were grieved that the apostles preached in 
Jesus the Resurrection from the dead, and all knew 
that they had been with him. 

What answer difd St. Peter make when called to 
account before the council? 

*' Ye princes of the people and ancients hear^ if we 
this day are examined concerning the good deed 
done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been 
made whole. Be it known to you all, and to all the 
people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, of Nazareth, whom you crucified whom God 
hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man 
standeth here before you whole. This is, the stone 
which tvas rejected hy you the huilders^ which is be- 
come the head of the corner ; neither is there salva- 
tion in any other. For there is no other name under 
heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved." 

How did the High Priest and council act on hear* 
ing St. Peter'' s defence ? 

They threatened him and St. John, commanding 
them to preach no more ; but they did not inflict 
corporal punishment that time for fear of the people. . 
However, not long after they scourged St. Peter, and 
the other apostles, threatening them and charging 
them to preach no more, for they were filled with 
envy at seeing the numerous and manifest miracles- 
they wrought. Among the rest, one by which St,. 
Peter raised to life a pious widow, named Tabitha 
25* 



294 CATECHISM OP 

CHAPTEK XLYII. 

MARTYRDOM OF ST. STEPHEN. ORDINATION OP THl 

SEVEN DEACONS. MISSION OF ST. PHILIP. 

Who were the first deacons ? 
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parme- 
nas, and Nicholas ; seven in number, on whom, the 
apostles praying, imposed hands, and appointed to 
their office. 

Who was the first martyr ? 
St. Stephen, the first of the seven- deacons, a man of 
extraordinary holiness, and a performer of many and 
great miracles. 

Why did the Jews put St. Stephen to death f 
Because when he was dragged by them before the 
council, he steadfastly maintained what he had before 
preached, that our Lord Jesus Christ is he whom all 
the prophets fortold. And as he continued to urge 
the subject, looking up to heaven he saw the glory 
of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of 
Grod, which he announced to them, and immediately 
witli one accord, running violently on him, they cast 
him out of the city and stoned him. 

What did St. Stephen, say whilst they stoned him? 
" Lord Jesus receive my spirit," and falling on his 
knees he cried with a loud voice, " Lord lay not thia 
sin to their charge." 

Is there any person in particular named as heing 
present at, and consenting to St. Stephen^ s death f 
Yes, Saul^ a native of Tarsus, then a furious perse- 
cutor of the Church, afterwards a zealous apostle. 

What was the consequence of the persecution thai 
was raised after St. Peter s martyrdom f 
That the faithful were dispersed through the neigh- 
boring provinces, and thus made the truth more 
widely known. 



^ 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 295 

To tvTiat part did St. Philip^ the second of the 

deacons go ? 

To Samaria, were he converted great numbers, and 
among them a famous magician, named Simon, who 
had long misled the people ; but being baptized, kept 
close to Philip, wondering at the great miracles he 
performed. Yet it would appear that his assiduity 
proceeded from a worldly motive, for when St. Peter 
and St. John arrived from Jerusalem to confirm the 
faithful, Simon seeing that the Holy Ghost was con- 
ferred by the imposition of the hands of the apostles 
(for the communication of the Holy Ghost, in con- 
firmation, was at that time often accompanied by 
miraculous manifestations) offered money to obtain 
the same power ; for which St. Peter reprehended 
him. 

What person of distinction was St. Philip the 
instrument in converting ? 

The treasurer of Candace, queen of Ethiopia, a per- 
son of great piety, who, being on his return from 
worshipping in the Temple of Jerusalem, was sitting 
in his chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah. When 
near Gaza, the Spirit commanded Philip to go to 
him. On doing so, he heard him read the following 
passage : " He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, 
and like a Iamb without voice before his shearer, so 
openeth he not his mouth. In humility his judg- 
ment was taken away. His generation who shall 
declare, for his life shall be taken from the earth '' 

What did St. Philip ash f 
Bfc. Philip asked, did he understand what he read ; 
the treasurer replied that he could not, unless some 
one explained it, and he requested St. Philip to do 
BO. During the explanation, his heart was so moved, 
that on reaching some water, he begged for and re- 
ceived baptism. 



296 CATECHISM OF 

^^^^^^CHAPTER XLYIII. 

CON VERSION OF ST. PAUL. BAPTISM OF CORNELIUS. 

In the meantime, how was Saul, he that assisted a/ 
St, Stephen^ s martyrdom, employed f 
In persecuting the Church to the utmost of his power, 
and not content with doing so in Jerusalem, he asked 
letters of the High Priest and ancients to the syna- 
gogues in Damascus, that if he discovered any of the 
faithful there, he might bring them bound to Jeru- 
salem. 

What occin^ed on his way to Damascus when he 
had nearly reached the city? 

A brilliant light suddenly shone round him and his 
companions, and our Lord called him, saying : " Saul, 
Saul, why persecutest thou me ?" Trembling and 
astonished, Saul fell prostrate on the ground, and 
asked : " Who art thou, Lord V Our Lord replied, 
" I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." Saul humbly 
answered : " Lord, what wilt thou have me do ?" 
*' Arise, and go into the city," said our Lord, " and 
there it shall be told thee what thou must do." 

What folloioedf 
On which Saul arose, but being unable to see, was 
led by his companions into Damascus, where he re- 
mained three days and nights without food. After 
which, a holy man, named Ananias, was sent by 
God to restore his sight and baptize him. And to 
the astonishment of all, he who had come to perse- 
cute became an apostle, and preached Christianity in 
the synagogues. 

How did the Jeics act towards Saul, otherwise St, 
Paul, on his conversion? 

They sought to kivi him ; but the faithful concealed 
him, and let him down by a basket by night from 



SCHIPTUKE HUSTORY-. 297 

the town wall, hj which he escaped, and returned to 
Jerusalem 

How did St. Paid act on reaching Jerusalem ? 
He thought to join the disciples, but they, not know- 
ing of his conversion, shunned him, fearing that he 
was insincere, until Barnabas took him to the apos- 
tles, and related the circumstances of his conversion. 
From this time he appeared openly with them, and 
continued to preach to both Jews and gentiles to the 
end of his life, which he closed by martyrdom. 

Wlio was the first gentile haptized? 
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, residing in Cesarea, 
a good and charitable man, who with his whole 
family feared G-od, and gave great alms to the poor. 

Relate the particulars of his conversion? 
An angel entering his house, said to him : " Corne- 
lius, thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a 
memorial in the sight of God ; and now send men to 
Joppa, and call hither one Simon, who is surnamed 
Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon, a tanner, whose 
house is by the sea-side. He will tell thee what 
thou must do." 

What did Cornelius do? 
Cornelius immediately did what the angel command- 
ed ; and when his messengers drew near Joppa, St. 
Peter also had a vision, in which he saw the heavens 
opened, and a great sheet let down, in which was a 
variety of living creatures; and he heard a voice 
desiring him to arise, kill, and eat ; but he declined, 
saying, that he had never eaten anything common or 
unclean, to which the voice replied : " That which 
God hath cleansed, do not thou call common." This 
was repeated three times ; after which, all were again 
taken up into heaven ; and while St. Peter was pon- 
dering the meaning of the vision, the messengers 
from Cornelius arrived, whom the Spirit commanded 
him to accompany. 



298 CATECHISM OF 

On Ills arrival in Cesar ea, what did Si. Peter 
find? 

On St. Peter's arrival in Cesarea, whither lie was 
accompanied by six of the brethren, he found Corne- 
lius with his friends and relations assembled to hear 
the word of God. While he preached to them, the 
Holy Grhost descended on them, conferring the gift 
of tongues as on the apostles at the beginning, at 
which the disciples were astonished, but St. Peter 
remembering the word of our Lord : " John indeed 
baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with 
the Holy Ghost :" said : '' Can any man forbid water 
that these should not be baptized who have received 
the Holy Ghost as well as we." 

What fault did the Jeicish converts in Jerusalem 
find ivith St. Peter's conduct on this occasion? 
That he had gone into the house of a gentile and 
had eaten with him, for it was not allowed among 
th^ Jews to do so. But St. Peter justified himself 
alleging the vision he had, and also the descent of 
the Holy Ghost on Cornelius and his whole house, 
adding : "If then, God gave them the same grace 
as to us also who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, 
who was I that could withstand God ?" which answer 
satisfied them. 

CHAPTEE XLIX. 

MIRACUIiOUS DELIVERANCE OP ST. PETER FROM PRISON 
PREACHING or ST. PAUL. 

Why did Herod imprison St. Peter ? 
To please the Jews who, he perceived, were gratified 
by his causing St. James, the brother of St. John, to 
be beheaded, and he intended also to execute St. 
Peter. But the night before the appointed day an 
angel entering the prison awoke St. Peter, who wa3 
sleeping amidst his guards, and desired him arise 



SCRIPTURE HISTOKr. 299 

and follow hiDi. He did so, for his fetters fell oif 
but still he thought it was only a dream, until en- 
tering the city gate which opened of itself, and fol- 
lowing on through one street the angel disappeared, 
when he came to himself, and returned thanks to 
God for his deliverance. 

To lohat "place did St. Peter go on Ms deliverance f 
To the house of Mary, the mother of John and Mark, 
where many of the brethren were assembled in 
prayer. When he knocked, a maid, named Khode, 
came to the gate, but, on hearing his voice, was so 
overjoyed that without waiting to open it, she ran 
back to announce his arrival. The disciples at first 
could not believe it but thought it was his angel ; on 
being admitted, he related the manner of his miracu- 
lous deliverance, desired them to tell the rest of the 
brethren, for they had all been praying for him ; and 
withdrew for the present to another place. 

Hoio did Herod act when he discovered that St 
Peter had escaped f 

After ineffectual inquiries and searches, he condemn- 
ed the keepers of the prison to death. 

How did Herod end his life f 
He was eaten alive by worms, in punishment of his 
pride ; for, on one occasion, being arrayed in royal 
robes and making an oration, the people cried out, 
** It is the voice of a god and not of a man ;" at 
which Herod being elated did not give the honor to 
God, and immediately he was struck by an angel 
with that incurable and loathsome disease. 

How loas St. Paul engaged during these occuT" 
rences f 

Being obliged to fly from Jerusalem, the brethren 
conveyed him safely to Tarsus, whence, at the request 
of St. Barnabas, he went to Antioch, where, by their 
united labors, they converted such multitudes that 
the disciples at Antioch were first named Christians. 



300 CATECHISM or 

Besides many other places, the two apostles went to 
Cyprus, where the proconsul Sergius Paulus em- 
braced the faith. From this time, the apostle of the 
, gentiles is no longer named Saul in holy Scripture, 
but Paul. 

What remarlcahh person in the family of Sergius 
Paulus luithstood the apostles, and endeavored to 
hinder the proconsid from embracing the faith f 
A Jew, named Bariseus, otherwise Elymas, a famous 
magician ; but St. Paul, rebuking him for his deceit, 
said : " Behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee, 
and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a 
time," upon which Elymas lost his sight, and had to 
be led about, and the proconsul seeing what was 
done became a convert. 

- What miracle did St. Paid perform at Lystra f 
He cured a man who had been a cripple from his 
birth ; on which the heathens fancying that the gods 
had come in human form, and that St. Barnabas was 
Jupiter, and St. Paul Mercury, because he was chief 
speaker, would have offered sacrifice to them, and 
could hardly be prevailed on to desist by all the 
apostles could say, assuring them that they were like 
themselves, mortal, but had come to announce to 
them the one only true Grod. 

How did these very people treat St. Paul a few 
days after? 

Being irritated against him by the slanders of some 
Jews, they stoned him, leaving off only when they 
thought he was dead ; but when they had gone away, 
and the brethren only remained, he revived, and 
soon after, with Barnabas, went to preach the gospel 
in other places, without being deterred by the per- 
gecutions and contradictions he met with. 



SCRIFTDKB msTORr. 301 

CHAPTEK L. 

COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM. TRAVELS AND LABORS OP 

ST. PAUL. 

When loas the first council held, and lohy was it 
convened? 

It was held at Jerusalem, and consisted of the apos- 
tles and ancients, who assembled to consider and 
decide on a subject of dispute raised by the Jewish 
converts, some of whom insisted that the gentile 
converts should be subjected to the observance of the 
ceremonial law of Moses. The council decided that 
the converts should not be made to observe the cere- 
monial, saying, that it appeared good to the Holy 
Grhost and to them so to decree, which decision was 
received with joy. This council was held in the 
year 51. 

What countries were principally blessed hy St, 
PauVs apostolic labors? 

Several parts of Asia Minor and Greece, through 
which he travelled with indefatigable zeal from pro- 
vince to province, from one island to another, as the 
necessities of the infant church required, often at the 
risk of his life, and everywhere persecuted by the 
Jews. 

For what icere St. Paul and his holy companion 
Silas throicn into prison in Philippi ? 
Because St. Paul cast a pythonical spirit out of a 
young woman, her employers, who used to make 
money by her divining, accused him and Silas to the 
magistrates, who condemned them to be scourged and 
imprisoned. At midnight, while the holy prisoners 
were at their prayers, a sudden earthquake shook the 
prison, and set the doors open. 

What is said of the jailor ? 
The jailor, seeing the prison open, and fearing to be 
26 



302 CATECHISM OF 

called to account for the escape of tlie prisoners, wai. 
going to kill himself, but St. Paul cried out to him 
that they were all there, and taking that occasion to 
preach the faith to him, the jailor and all his family 
embraced it on the spot. 

What reiiiarhaljle conversion did St. Paid effed 
at Athens? 

That of St. Dionysius, the learned Areopagite, with 
some others. The people of Athens were at that 
lime immersed in idolat-^j. Among the numerous 
altars raised to idols throughout their city, one wa-s 
inscribed, " To the unknown God,'^ from which St. 
Paul took occasion to ii^ struct them in the knowledge 
of the one only true God. 

What gave rise to a tumidt at Ephesus ivhile JSt 
Paid preached there f 

A silversmith, named Demetrius, who made a groat 
deal of money by manufacturing little temples of 
Diana, fearing that his trade would be injured if the 
apostles were allowed to preach, collected some in- 
terested persons, and made a great clamor, until a 
considerable part of the inhabitants became excited, 
shouting, " Great is Diana of the Ephesians." At 
length the authorities succeeded in quelling the 
tumult and dispersing the people. 

What great miracle did St. Paid perform at 
Troas f 

He raised a young man named Eutychus to life, wtc 
had fallen from the window of an upper room, being 
overcome by sleep while St. Paul was preaching- 

Note. — That is a member of the Areopagus, an assembly com- 
posed of the most l&arned of the Athenians. 

Note. — There was a famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, which 
was much resorted to, and those who visited it, wishing to take 
with them a memorial, used to purchase little silver imitations 
which caused a con^sxievhme trade in these articles. 



SCRIPTUKK HISTORY. 303 

CHAPTEE LI. 
8T. Paul's return to Jerusalem, his persecution 

BY THE JEWS. HE APPEALS TO C^SAR AND IS SENT 

TO ROME. 

How was St. Paul received in Jerusalem when he 
returned after his great and successful apostolic 
labors f 

With great joy by the faithful ; but not many days 
after his arrival while he was in the Temple engaged 
in religious exercises, some Jews of Asia violently 
seized him, and dragging him out, raised such an 
uproar by false accusations, that a multitude collect- 
ed, and would have killed the holy apostle but for 
the timely interference of the Roman tribune, who 
rescued him with much difficulty; and not being 
able to ascertain of what they accused him, some 
crying one thing, some another, he ordered the sol- 
diers to take him bound to their quarters, while the 
people followed and demanded his death. 

What request did St. Paul make to the tribune 
when he had reached a place of safety, being on the 
stairs leading to the castle f 

That he would allow him to speak to the people ; 
which being granted he addressed them in Hebrew, 
giving them an account of his birth at Tarsus, hisi 
education in Jerusalem, his former violence against 
the Christians, and conversion on the way to Damas- 
cus ; adding that after it, while he was praying in 
the Temple in Jerusalem, our Lord appeared unto 
him and commissioned him to preach to the gentiles. 
They heard him attentively until he mentioned, " the 
gentiles," but then raised such a clamor, that the 
tribune ordered him to be brought in and to be tor- 
tured, to make him discover why they clamored, but 



304 CATECHISM OF 

desisted wlien lie understood that he was a Roman 
citizen. 

How did the trlhiine act tlie next day ? 
He summoned the priests and all the council that he 
might know of what they accused the prisoner. But 
one part being Sadducees, the other Pharisees, St. 
Paul took advantage of their disagreement and pro* 
fessed himself a Pharisee in his belief of the resur- 
rection of the dead. They became immediately 
divided in their judgment for and against him, ana 
both parties became so violent that the tribune or 
dered a guard of soldiers to bring Str Paul from 
among them, lest they might tear him in pieces. 

Did the Jews still continue their persecution of St, 
Paul? 

They did, and so implacable was their hatred, that 
forty of thfem entered into a conspiracy with the 
chief priests and ancients to murder him, but his 
nephew discovered the conspiracy, and gave infor- 
mation of it to the tribune, who sent him in care of a 
strong guard to Felix, the governor, residing at 
Cesarea. 

How did Felix treat St, Paul f 
He immediately dismissed his accusers, seeing that 
he was innocent, yet hoping to extort money from 
him kept him a prisoner two years, and left him so 
when he was succeeded by the new governor Festus, 
as he was anxious to please the Jews. 

What reqitest did the Jews make to the neio govern 
nor f 

To send St. Paul to Jerusalem, intending to assassin- 
ate him on the road ; but the apostle knowing their 
intention, and seeing no other way to escape, appealed 
to Csesar. Festus admitted the appeal, and promised 
to send him to Rome. 

Note. — The Sadducees denied the resurrection of the body, and 
the existence of angels and spirits ; the Pharisees admitted botk. 



SCRH^TURE msTORr. ^05 

What tllusfrioiis person visited Festus sliortly 
after , and heard St. Paul in defence of the faith f 
King Agrippa, who, though educated in Rome, was 
well read in the law and the prophets, which gave 
the holy apostle the more confidence in quoting them 
before him ; and he so clearly proved that what was 
written in Moses and the prophets concerning Christ 
had been fulfilled, that Agrippa said : " In a little 
thou persuadest me to become a Christian ;" to which 
■ St. Paul replied : "I would to God that both in a 
little, and in much, not only thou, but also all tjiat 
hear me this day, should become such as I also am, 
except these bands." 

What decision did the hing and governor come to 
on hearing St. Paid^s defence f 
That he had done nothing deserving of punishment, 
and might be set at liberty only for his appeal to 
Caesar. 

What did Festus then do vjith St. Paul? 
He gave him and other prisoners in charge to Julius, 
a centurion, with orders to conduct him to Rome. 
Accordingly, they were put on board a ship, but 
after a long and perilous voyage were shipwrecked on 
the coast of Malta. The ship was broken to pieces, 
but Almighty God preserved the lives of all on 
board (276 persons) for sake of his holy servant. 

How did the inhabitants act towards the ship^ 
im^eched people? 

Mo^t kindly, particularly Publius, the principal per- 
son of the place, who entertained them for three 
days. 

Note. — This Agrippa was son to Agrippa the Great, and grand- 
son to Aristobulous, who was put to death bj his father Herod, 
the Idumean. Agrippa the Great spent a long time in Rome, 
whither he went to bring charges against Herod the Tetrarch ; 
but not succeeding, he remained and cultivated the friendship of 
* some persons of rank, among the rest of Caius Caligula, who, 
when made, Caesar conferred the tetrarchate of Philip on Agrippa 
with the title of king. 
2G-^ 



306 CATECHISM OF 

Did St. Paul perform any miracles during Mi 
stay in Malta f 

He did : lie cured Publius' father who was in fever, 
after which all the sick came to him and were cured. 
St. Paul was delayed three months in Malta, after 
which he arrived with little delay in Rome. 

How was he treated at Rome f 
With courtesy, as far as related to the hardships of 
imprisonment, for he was permitted to live in his 
own private lodging with only one guard, and there 
to instruct and preach ; but he wa*^ kept a prisoner 
two years^^w-^?^^.^ 

CHAPTER LII. 

THE EPISTLES. 

ST. Paul's epistles to the romans, Corinthians, and 

GALATIANS. 

Ebio many Epistles are recorded in the New 
Testament ? 

Twenty-one; fourteen of which were written by St. 
Paul ; one by St. James ; two by St. Peter ; three 
by St. John ; and one by St. Jude. 

Name those turitten by St. Paul f 
One to the Eomans ; two to the Corinthians ; one to 
the Galatians ; one to the Ephesians ; one to the 
Philippians ; one to the Colossians ; two to the Thes- 
salonians ; two to Timothy; one to Titus; one to 
Philemon ; and one to the Hebrews. 

Why is precedence given to the Epistle to the Ra^ 
mans though some of the others ivere written prevt* 
ously f 

On account of the sublimity of the matter contained 
in it, and the pre-eminence of the place to which it 
Was addressed. 



SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 307 

Where did St. Paul write it? 
At Cornifch, about twenty-four years after our Lord's 
Ascension, when he was preparing to go to Jerusa- 
lem with charitable contributions, collected in Achaia 
and Macedonia for the relief of the Christians in 
Judea. 

What is the subject of the Epistle to the Romans f 
The Apostle commends the faith of the Romans, and 
contrasts the just who live by faith with the worldly 
wise, who, puffed up with pride and filled with ini- 
quity, turn away from God, who in turn rejects them. 

How does he exhort them ? 
He exhorts them to be not hearers only, but doers of 
the law ; as such alone whether Jews or Gentiles 
shall be justified. 

Of what does he remind them f 
He reminds them that the Jews were the deposita- 
ries of the law and heirs of the Fathers to whom 
the promises were made ; yet many were cut off as 
broken branches, and the gentiles engrafted in their 
stead ; which, nevertheless, should not make them 
proud, but rather fearful lest he who did not spare 
the natural branches should also reject them. He 
corrects the error of those who looked on the out- 
ward observance of the works of the law as sufficient 
for justification. 

What does he shoio and exhort f 
He shows that no work is available to justice and 
salvation, unless done through faith, and proceeding 
from grace, the necessity and excellence of which he 
inculcates. He exhorts the strong to support the 
weak, and to avoid scandalizing them by an impru- 
dent use of the liberty they had by the new law to 
eat indiscriminately those meats accounted uncleau 
in the old. 

How docs he caution the weak ? 
The weak he cautions against rash judging the 



308 CATEtJmSM OF 

otliers, and also against acting contrary to the dic- 
tates of their conscience ; telling them that if they 
believe the meat unclean it becomes so to them and 
they transgress in using it. In fine, St. Paul ex- 
horts all to lead lives becoming the newness of life 
to which God had raised them, to put off the works 
of darkness, and to put on our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When did St. Paul twite his Epistles to the Co" 
rinthians ? 

About twenty-four years after our Lord's Ascension. 
The first at Ephesus ; the second he sent from some 
place in Macedonia. 

What is the subject of the First Ejpistle to the 
Corinthians f 

St. Paul reproves them with apostolic authority for 
their dissensions and lawsuits, and prescribes the ex- 
communication of one of them who had been guilty 
of a scandalous crime. He instructs them in faith 
and morals ; and the reverence with which they 
should behave in the Church, introducing for this 
end the history of the institution of the Eucharist, 
as follows : " I have received of the Lord that which 
also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the 
same night in which he was betrayed took bread, 
and giving thanks broke and said, take ye and eat ; 
this is my body, which shall be delivered for you. 
This do for the commemoration of me. In like 
manner, also, the chalice, after he had supped, say- 
ing, this chalice is the New Testament in my blood. 
This do ye as often as you shall drink for the com- 
memoration of me ; for as often as you shall eat this 
breads and drink the chalice, you shall show the 
death of the Lord until he come. Therefore, who- 
soever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of 
the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty trf the body and 
of the blood of the Lord ; but let a man prove him- 
lelf, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of 



SCRIPTURE IIISTOEY. St 9 

tlie ctalice ; for lie that eateth arid drinketh nnwor- 
fhily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not 
discerning the body of the Lord." 

To ichat does he earnestly exliort tliem f 
He earnestly exboi'ts them to cordial mutual charity, 
and exemplifies the union that ought to exist among 
them by thafc which subsists between the members 
of the body ; for as the eye cannot say to the hand, 
I need not thy help ; nor the head to the feet, I 
have no need of you ; but all are caxcful of one 
another, so in the Church each performs the part 
allotted for the good of the whole, forming one 
body, actuated by one spirit, and each necessary in 
his own place. 

What does he say ? 
He goes on to say : " If I speak with the tongues of 
men and angels, and have not charity, I am become 
as sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol ; and if I 
should have prophecy, and should know all mysteries 
and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so 
that I could remove mountains and have not charity, 
I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my 
goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my 
body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth 
me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind. Charity 
envieth not, dealeth not perversely ; is not puffed 
up ; is not ambitious ; seeketh not her own ; is not 
provoked to anger ; thinketh no evil ; rejoiceth not 
in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth ; beareth all 
things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, en- 
dureth all things." 

What is the subject of the Second Epistle to the 
Corinthians ? 

The apostle comforts those whom his former admo- 
nitions had reformed ; and forgives him whose ex- 
communication he had in his first epistle prescribed. 
-m his manifesting sorrow and doing penance. He 



3L0 categjiissi of 

expresses his affection to the Corinthians and inten 
tion of visiting them, hoping it would be with joy 
and not with reproof and sorrow. He cautions them 
against false teachers, gives an account of his suffelf- 
ings, also of the favors God had bestowed on him, 
and exhorts them to the practice of every Christian 
virtue. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistle to the Gola^ 
tians f 

He wrote it at Ephesus about twenty-three years 
after our Lord's Ascension ; and for the purpose of 
reclaiming them from errors which some of them had 
fallen into by the means of false teachers, who incul- 
cated the necessity of observing the rites and cere- 
monies of the Mosaic law*. 

CHAPTEK LIII. 
ST. Paul's epistles to the ephesians, philippl^n?, 

COLOSSIANS, AND THESSALONIANS. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistle to the Ephe-* 
sians f 

About twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension, 
while he was prisoner in Rome. In it the holy 
apostle admonishes them not to suffer themselves ta 
be tossed to and fro, and carried about by every 
wind of doctrine ; but being renewed in the spirit of 
their mind to put on the new man, who, according to 
God is created in justice and holiness of truth, not 
overreaching one another or speaking evil, but as- 
sisting each other and being kind, and merciful and 
forgiving. 

Hoio does he conclude? 
He concludes by instructing husbands and wives^ 
parents and children, masters and servants, in their 
respective duties, exhorting all to stand on their 
guard against the attacks of the wicked one. 



SCRIPTUKK HISTORY. 311 

When did St. Paul tvrite Ms Ejpistle to the Philip-' 
plans f 

About twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension. 
In it he expresses 'great charity for them, and his 
constant remembrance of them in prayer. Mentions 
that his imprisonment, far from impeding, tended to 
the furtherance of the gospel, which was a source of 
great joy to him, though some of those who preached 
it were actuated by unworthy motives. 

What does he recommend? 
He recommends to them unity and humility, pro- 

!)0ses to them our Lord's example, who humbled 
limself, becoming obedient unto death even to the 
death of the cross ; and exhorts them to work out 
their salvation with fear and trembling, to avoid 
false teachers, and to persevere in doing as he had 
instructed them. He concludes by thanking them 
for the presents they had sent him, and gives them 
bis blessing. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistle to the Colos- 
$ians f 

A bout the same time that he wrote to the Ephesians 
and Philippians, and while he was still in prison. 
It is in substance much the same as that to the 
Ephesians. 

When did St. Paul ivrite his Epistles to the 
Thessalonians f 

About nineteen years after our Lord's Ascension, 
being the earliest in point of time. Thessalonica 
was the capital of Macedonia, where, on St. Paul's 
preaching, some Jews and many gentiles were con- 
verted ; but on a persecution being raised by the 
unbelieving Jews he was obliged to quit. On his 
arrival in Athens, he sent Timothy to comfort and 
eiaeourage the converts in Thessalonica, and pro- 
c\5eded himself to Corinth, whence he wrote these 
two epistles. 



312 CATECHISM OF 

CHAPTER LIY. 

BT. PAULAS EPISTLES TO TIMOTHY, TITUS, PHILEMON, AND 

THE HEBEETTS. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistles to his he- 
loved discij)le St. Timothy ? y 

He wrote the first about thirty-three years after ouf 
Lord's Ascension. It is an instruction to St. Timo* 
thy, then Bishop of Ephesus, for his own government 
and that of his charge. The second epistle appears 
to have been written during his last imprisonment 
in Rome, a little before his martyrdom. In it he 
gives further instructions to Timothy, and tells him 
to come to him. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistle to his dis- 
ciple St. Titus J the Bishop of Crete f 
About thirty-three years after our Lord's Ascension. 
It contains directions to St. Titus to ordain priests 
in the different cities where they were wanted, de- 
scribes the requisite dispositions and qualifications 
for such, with other instructions for himself and 
flock. 

What is the substance of St. PauVs Epistle to 
Philemon ? 

Philemon, who was a noble citizen of Colossa, was 
robbed by his servant Onesimus, who then fled to 
Kome, where he had the happiness to meet St. Paul, 
who was there a prisoner for the first time. The 
holy apostle converted him to the faith, and sent him 
back to his master with this epistle, requesting and 
exhorting him to forgive the past, and to receive the 
new convert with kindness and affection. 

When did St. Paul write his Epistle to the He- 
hreicSj or converted Jews of Palestine f 
About twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension, 
and apparently while the apostle was in Italy. He 



SCRIFTURlii HISTORY . 31g 

instructs them in the divinity of our Lord, the pre- 
eminence of his priesthood above the Levitical, and 
of the new law above the old. He extols the efficacy 
and fruits of faith demonstrated in the patriarchs, 
and exhorts the faithful to patience, perseverance, 
and fraternal charity. 

CHAPTEE LY. ^ ^ / 

EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES. 

To ivJiom did St. James address Ms Epistle? 
To the faithful in general, for which reason it is 
styled Catholic or universal. He wrote it a little 
before his martyrdom, and about twenty-eight years 
after our Lord's Ascension. The writer was St. 
James the Less, cousin of our Lord, and first bishop 
of Jerusalem. 

What is the subject of the Epistle ? 
The holy apostle exhorts the faithful to patience and 
fortitude under temptations, assuring them in the 
words of holy Job, that when they have been proved 
they shall receive the crown of life. He counsels 
them to pray with lively faith, to be doers of the law 
and not hearers only; to be meek, merciful, and 
charitable ; to observe all the commandments, for 
they who break one become guilty of all. In fine 
to manifest their faith by works, not to let it resem- 
ble that of the devils who believe and tremble ; for 
even as the body without the spirit is dead, so alse 
faith without works is dead. He conjures them to 
guard their tongues and hearts, to pay their just 
debts, and always stand in readiness, not knowing 
when God may call them ; to pray when in affliction, 
and when sick to have the priests called in to pray 
for and to anoint them, adding, " The prayer of faith 
shall save the sick man, and the Lord shall raise him 
up ; and if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him." 
2t 



3) . CATECHISM OF 

CHAPTER LVI. 
ST. Peter's two epistles. 

When did St. Peter write his first Epistle f 
About fifteen years after our Lord's Ascension. H# 
wrote it in Rome, and addressed it to the faithful 
dispersed through Pontus, Gralatia, Cappadocia, Asia, 
and Bythinia. 

What is the subject of it ? 
The holy apostle exhorts them to act in a manner 
becoming their vocation as Christians, aspiring to the 
holiness to which they were called, keeping them- 
selves as pilgrims in this world, and by their edifying 
conduct bringing the unbelievers to glorify God. 
He desires them to be subject to every human crea- 
ture for Grod's sake ; and encourages them to suffer 
patiently the wrongs done them, for the love of God 
and in imitation of Jesus Christ, who, when he wag 
reviled, did not revile, when he suffered, threatened 
not, but delivered himself to him who judged him 
unjustly. 

How does he caution women? 
He cautions women against vanity in dress, and de- 
sires them rather to adorn their souls with meekness 
and mildness, which will render them pleasing in the 
eight of God. In fine, he admonishes all to be pru- 
dent, and to watch in prayer, as the end of all is at 
hand ; and their adversary, the devil, goeth about 
like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 
The apostle concludes with instructions to both clergj 
and laity, conjuring all to preserve constant mutuai 
charity. 

When did St. Peter write his second Epistle ? 
A little before his martyrdom, about thirty-five years 
after our Lord's Ascension. In it, he exhorts the 
faithful to fly sin and practise virtue and to labor 



SCRIPTURE HISTORr. 3J5 

by good ^rorks to make their calling and election 
sure. 

Against what does he warn them f 
He warns them against false teachers, and reminds 
them of the awful judgments of Grod on sinners, first 
inflicted on the angels, afterwards on those drowned 
in the flood, then on Sodom and Gomorra ; and to 
deter them still more from sin, and make them keep 
their hearts disengaged from the things of this world, 
he foretells that it will be destroyed by fire, and the 
day of iho Lord will come when least expected. 

CHAPTER LYII. 
ST. John's three epistles. — epistle of st. jud^.— 

THE APOCALYPSE. 

When did St John icrite his first Epistle f 
About sixty-six years after our Lord's Ascension. 
It is addressed to the faithful in general. The holy 
apostle instructs them in the mysteries of the Trinity 
and of the Incarnation, in the necessity of keeping 
the commandments, and of loving God and the 
neighbor, saying that by so doing they shall be 
known to be disciples of Christ ; but if any hate a 
brother, such is a murderer, and cannot have eter- 
nal life. 

On what does he enlarge f 
St. John enlarges much on charity, earnestly and 
lovingly entreating, and exhorting all to practise it, 
adducing the example of the Eternal Father who 
gave his only Son, and of the Son who ofiered him- 
self a propitiation for us ; for which reason we should 
not only love him who first loved us, but should as- 
sist our neighbor in his necessities, and be ready 
even to lay down our lives for him. 

To whom did St. John write his second Epistle f 
To a pious lady, named Electa and her family whom 



316 CATEUMtrsM OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY. 

he instructs, and warns against holding any commu- 
nication with the teachers of false doctrine. 

To loliomdld St. John tcrite his thiixl Epistle? 
To a Christian, named Gains, whom he commends 
for his charity, and promises soon to visit, and to 
correct the evil practices of one named Diotrephes. 

To whom did St. Jude tcrite his Epistle? 
To the faithful in general, whom he earnestly ex- 
horts to preserve the faith transmitted to them, and 
to avoid the doers and teachers of iniquity, whose 
evil deeds he reminds them were foretold by the 
apostles. He begs of them to keep themselves in 
the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord 
Jesus Christ unto life everlasting. 
This epistle appears to have been written, when most 
of the apostles, or all of them, but St. John, were 
dead. 

When did St. John write the Apocalypse or Booh 
of Revelations? 

About sixty-four years after the Ascension of our 
Lord, while he was exiled by order of the Emperor 
Domitian, in ih.Q island of Patmos. 

What is the subject of it ? 
In the three first chapters are admonitions and in- 
structions which St. John was commanded in a vision, 
to write to the seven bishops of the churches of Asia. 
In the remaining chapters are prophecies of what 
will come to pass in the Church, particularly towards 
the end of the world. 



APPENDIX. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 

PROPHECIES OF THE COMING OF OUR LORD. — OF THE 
PRINCIPAL EYENTS IN HIS LIFE. — OF HIS DEATH, 
RESURRECTION, ASCENSION AND OF THE DESCENT OF 
THE HOLY GHOST. 

**AU things must needs he fulfilled lohich are written in the law of Moses, and 
in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me." — Luke xxiv. 44. 



PREDICTIONS. 



FULFILMENT. 



▲ REDEEMER IS PROMISED TO OUR 

FIRST PARENTS. 

"And the Lord God said to the ser- 
pent, I will put enemies between 
thee, and the Moman, and thy seed 
and her seed, she (or it) shall crush 
thy head." (Gen. iii. 15.) 



"When the fulness of the time was 
come, God sent his Son, made of a 
woman, made under the law : that he 
might redeem them who were under 
the law." (Gal. iv. 4.) 



THE PROMISE RENEWED TO 
ABRAHAM AND ISAAC. 

'The Lord said to Abraham. ..In 
thee shall the kindred of the earth be 
blessed " (Gen. xii. 3.) "Sarah thy 
wife siiill bear thee a son, and thou 
ghalt call his name Isaac, and I will 
establish my covenant with him for a 
perpetual covenant, and with his seed 
after him," (Gen. xvii. 19.) Isaac be- 
queathed the blessing to Jacob. (Gen. 
xxvii. 27,) who left it as a rich in- 
heritance to Juda. (Gen. xlix. 10.) 



27^ 



"To Abraham were the promises 
made, and to his seed. He saith not, 
and to his seeds, as of many; but as 
of one, 'end to thy seed,' which is 
Christ." (Gal. iii. 16) "The God 
of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, 
and the God of Jacob, the God of our 
fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus, 
whom you indeed delivered up, and 
denied before the face of Pilate, when 
he judged he should be released." 
(Acts iii. 13.) By faith he (Abraham) 
abode in the land, dwelling in cottages 
with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of 
the same promises." (Heb. xi. 9.) 



317. 



318 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDIuTIOXS. 

BION9 BY WHICH THE TIME OP 
THE COMING OF THE RE- 
DEEMER SHOULD BE Mani- 
fested, 
" The sceptre shall not be taken 
away from Juda, nor a ruler from 
his posterity, till he come that is 
to be sent,* and he shall be the 
expectation of nations." (Gen. 
xlii. 10.) 



TKOM AMONG THE DESCENDANTS 
OF JUDA, GOD CHOSE THE 
FAMILY OP DAVID. 

"The Lord chose the tribe of 

Juda And he chose David his 

servant." (Psahi^ Ixxvii. 68^ 70.) 
''And there shall come forth a -od 
out of the root of Jesse, and a 
flower shall rise up out of his root, 
and the Spirit of the Lord shall 
rest upon him ; tlie spirit of wis- 
dom and of understanding, the 
spirit of counsel and of fortitude, 
the spirit of knowledge and of 
Godliness. And he shall be filled 
with the spirit of the fear of the 
Lord." (Isaias xi. 1.) "He ap- 
pointed to David his servant to 
raise up of him a most mighty 
king, and sitting on the throne of 
glory for ever." (Eccles. xxiv. 34.) 



TITE LENGTH OF TIME TO THE 
COMING AND DEATH OF OUR 
LORD, FORETOLD BY DANIEL. 

"From the going forth of the 
word to build up Jerusalem again, 
unto Christ tJie prince, there shall 
be seven weeks and sixty-two 

weeks And after sixty-two 

weeks Christ shall be slain, and 
the people that shall deny him 
6hall not be his." (Dan. ix. 25.) 



FULFILMENT. 



At the lime of our Lord's biith^ 
the sceptre (which seems iJ sig^ 
nify political power) was partly 
taken away from the Jews by th« 
great power the Romans then ex- 
ercised in Judea, and also by the 
introduction of Herod, who was a 
foreigner, as king : but it was not 
until the siege and destruction of 
Jerusalem under Titus Vespasian, 
a few years after our Lord's Pas- 
sion, that this translation of the 
sceptre was finally comj^leted. 



" Of this man's (David's) seed, 
God, accordins to his promise, 
hath raised up to Israel a Saviour 
Jesus." (Acts xiii. '23.) "The 
angel Gabriel was sent from God 
into a city of Galilee, called Naza- 
reth, to aVirgin espoused to a man 
whose name was Joseph, of the 
house of David, and the virgin's 
name was Mary, and the angel 
being come in, said unto her. Hail 
full of grace, the Lord is with thee, 
blessed art thou among women 

Behold thou shalt coliceive in 

thy womb, and shalt bring forth a 
son, and thou shalt call his name 
Jesus. He shall be great, and shall 
be called the Son of the Most High, 
and the Lord God shall give unto 
him the throne of David his faihe)-, 
and he shall reign in the house of 
Jacob forever, and of his kingdom 
tliere shall be no end." (Luke i.^.} 



From the twentieth year of the 
reign of Anaxerxes, in which he 
issued tlie decree to rebuild Jeru- 
salem, to the Bapiism of our Lord, 
is computed bv chronologists to 
be four iiundred and eighty-tliree 
years; the term "weeks," used 
bv Daniel, being universally ad- 
mitted to mean weeks of years. 



EXTRACTS FROM l-HE PROPHETS. 



319 



PREDICTIONS. 

»HE PRECURSOR OF THE REDEEM- 
ER PREDICTED BY ISAIAS AND 
MALACHIAS. 

"The voice of one crying in the 
lesert, Prepare ye the way of the 
Lord." (Isaias xl. 3.) '^Beliold 
I send my angeJ, and he shall pre- 
rare the way before my face." 
(i\lal. ill. 2.) 



ISAIAS FORETOLD THAT OUR 
BLESSED LORD WOULD BE 
BORN OF A VIRGIN. 

'*' Behold a virgin shall conceive, 
and bear a son, and his name shall 
be called Emanuel." (Isaias vii. 
14.) ^' Emanuel being interpreted 
ifi God with us." (Mat. i. 23.) 



FULFILMENT. 



THE FLACE OF OUR REDEEMER'S 
IHRTH FORETOLD BY MICHEAS. 

"And thou, Bethlehem Ephrata, 
art a little one among the thou- 
sands of Juda ; out of thee shall 
he come forth unto me, that is to 
be the ruler in Israel, and his 
coming forth is from the begin- 
Bing, from the days of eternity." 
CMiclieas v. 2.) 



Some of the priests and Levite* 
being deputed to ask St. John 
Baptist, " Who art thou," he re- 
plied, " I am the voice of one cry- 
ing in the wilderness, make straight 
the way of the Lord, as said the 
prophet Isaias," (John i,f33.) Our 
Blessed Lord himself bore testi- 
mony to St. John, saying^ " Thij 
is he, of whom it is written. Be- 
hold I send my angel," &c. 'Luk« 
vii. 27.) 



"Joseph her husband being a 
just man, and not willing publiciy 
to expose her, was minded to put 
her away privately. But while ha 
thought on these things, behold the 
angel of the Lord appeared to him- 
in his sleep, saying Joseph, son of 
David, fear not to take unto theo 
Mary thy wife, for that which is 
conceived in her is of the Holy 
Ghost, and she shall bring forth a 
son, and thou shalt call his name 
Jesus, for he shall save his people 
from their sins. Now all this was 
done that it might be fulfilled 
which the Lord spoke by the pro- 
phet saying, Behold a virgin," &c 
(Matt. i. 19, 23.) 



"When Jesus therefore was 
born in Bethlehem of Juda in the 
days of king Herod, behold tiiet'-e 
came wise n(en from the East to 
Jerusalem saj'ing. Where is he 
that is born king of the Jeu's? 
For we have seen his star in tJie 
East, and are come to adore him. 
And king Herod hearing this was 
troubled, and all Jerusalem witli 
him. And assembling together all 
the chief priests and the scribes of 
the people, he inquired of them 
where Christ should be born ; but 
they sai^i to him, in Bethlehem of 
Juda; for so it is written by the 



320 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDICTIOXS. 



FULFILMENT. 

prophet. And thou Betlilehem '• 
&c. (Matt. ii. 1—6.) 



THE HOUR OF HIS BIRTH. 

" \^Tiile all things were in quiet 
Bilence, and the night was in the 
midst of her coursej^Thy Almighty- 
Word came doum fro n heaven 
from Thy royal tlironc." (Wis, 
iviii. 14.) 



"And there were in the sam« 
country shepherds watching and 
keeping the night watches ovei 
their flocks. . . . And behold an an- 
gel of the Lord stood by them, and 
the brightness of God shone round 
about them, and they feared vAtii 
a great fear. And tiie angel said 
to them, Fear not, for behold 1 
bring you good tidings of great joy 
that shall be to all the people for 
this day is born to you a Saviour, 
who is Christ the Lord, in the city 
of David." (Luke ii. 8.) 



OOR lord's presence in THE 
TKMPLE FORETOLD BE AGGEUS 
AND MALACHIAS. 

f' Yet one little while, and I will 
move the heaven and the earth, 
and the sea, and the dry land, and 
I will move ail nations ; and the 
desired of all nations shall come; 
and I will fill tliis house with glory, 
saith the Lord of Hosts." (Ag- 
geus ii. 7.) 

" And presently tlie Lord whom 
you seek, and the angel of the 
testament whom you desire shall 
come to his temple. Behold he 
cometli, saith the Lord of Hosts." 
(Mai. ill. 1.) 



" And behold there was a man 
in Jerusalem, named Simeon, and 
this man was just and devout, 
waiting for the consolation of Is- 
rael, and the Holy Ghost was in 
him. And he had received an 
ansAver from the Holy Ghost that 
he should not see death before he 
had seen the Christ of the Lord. 
And he came by the Spirit into the 
Temple. And when his parents 
brought in tlie child Jesus, to do 
for him according to tlie custom of 
the law, he also took him into his 
arms, and blessed God and said, 
Now, Thou dost dismiss thy ser 
vant O Lord according to tliy word 
in peace ; because my eyes have 
seen thy salvation which tliou hast 
prepared before the face of all 
people ; a hght to tlie revelation of 
the Gentiles, and the glory of tliy 
people Israel." (Luke ii,) 



THAT our lord SHOULD BE 
ADORED BY EASTERN KINGS 
SOON AFTER HIS BIRTH. 

*^ Arise, be enlightened O Jeru- 
salem, for thy light is come, and 
the glory of the Lord is risen upon 

thee And the gentiles shall 

walk in thy light, and kings in the 
brightness of thy rising. ... all they 
from Saba shall come, bringing 



" In the days of king Herod, 
behold there came wise men from 
the East to Jerusalem, sayino 
where is he tliat is born king of 
the Jews ? For we have seen his 
star in the East, and are come 
to adore liim. . . .Then Herod pri 



EXTRACTS- FROM THE PROPHETS. 



821 



PREDICTIONS. 

gold and frfinkmcense, and show- 
ing forth praise to the Lord." 
(I«aias Ix. 1.) 

" The kings of Tharsis and the 
islands shall offer presents, the 
kings of the Arabians and of Saba 
shall bring gifts, and all kings of 
the earth shaU adore him." (Psm. 
itxi. 10.) 



FULFILMENT. 

vately calling the wise men learn- 
ed diligently of them the time of 
the star v/hich appeared to them ; 
and sending them into Bethlehem, 
said, Go, and diligently inquire 
after the child, and when you have 
found him, bring me word again, 
that I also may come and adore 
him. . . . and behold the star which 
they had seen in the East went be- 
fore them, until it came and stood 
over where the child was; and 
seeing the star they rejoiced witll 
exceeding great joy ; and entering 
into the house they found the child 
with Mary his mother, and falling 
down they adored him, and open- 
mg their treasures they offered 
him gifts, gold, frankincense, and 
myrrh." (Matt, ii.) 



HI» FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 

" Behold the Lord will ascend 
upon a swift cloud, and will enter 
into Egypt, and the idols of Egypt 
shall be moved at his presence." 
(Isaias xix. 1.) 



" Behold an angel of the Lord 
appeared in sleep to Joseph, say- 
ing, Arise, take the child and his 
mother and fly into Egypt, and be 
there until I shall tell thee ; for it 
will come to pass that Herod will 
seek the child to destroy him. 
Who arose, and took the child and 
his mother by night, and retired 
into Egypt. (Matt. ii. 13.) 



THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS 
FORETOLD BY JEREMIAS. 

" A voice was heard on high 
of lamentation of mourning and 
weeping, of Bachel weeping for 
her childicn, and refusing to be 
comforted, for them, because they 
trenot." CTer. xxxi. 15.) The 
tomb of Racliti was at Bethfehem. 



mfi R'STJtN OP OUR LORD FROnl 
W.7YFT FORETOLD BY OSEE. 

''' I Vallod my Son out of Egypt." 
(Osee xi. I.) 



"The wise men having received 
an answer in sleep that they should 
not return to Herod, they went 
back another way into their own 

country Then Herod perceiv- . 

ing that he was deluded by the 
wise men, was exceedingly angry j 
and sending, killed all the men- 
children that were in Bethlehem, 
and in all the borders thereof frora 
two years old and under. . . . Then 
was fulfilled that which was sj)0- 
ken by Jeremias, the prophet, say- 
ing, A voice was heard," &.c 
(Matt, ii.) 



"When Herod was dead, be 
hold an angel of the Lord aupeared 



822 



EXTRACTS rKOM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDICTIONS 



•mt BLESSED LOKD PREFIGDRED 
BY MOSES. 

" The Lord thy God will raise 
up to thee a prophet of thy nation, 
and of thy brethren like unto me, 
him thou shalt heaj." (Dent.) 
" 1 (MosCvS) was tlie mediator, and 
stood between the Lord and you 
at that time." (Deut.) "I will 
raise them up a prophet out of the 
midst of their brethren like to thee ; 
and I will put my words in his 
mouth, and he shall speak to them 
all that I shall command him." 
(Deut. xviii. 5.) 

OUR BLESSED LORD DESIGNATED 
AS A RULER AND TEACHER. 

" All thy children shall be taught 
of the Lord." (Isaias liv. 13.) 

" And you, oh children of Sion, 
rejoice and be joyful in the Lord 
your God, because he hath given 
you a teacher of justice." (Joel 
ii. 23.) 

" For the lawgiver shall give a 
blessing, the God of gods shall be 
Been in Sion." (Ps. Ixxxiii.) 

" For he that made thee shall 
rule over thee; the Lord of Hosts 
IS his name. And thy Redeemer, 
the holv cne of Israel, shall be 
«alled the God of all the earth." 
<Isaias liv. 5.) 

rOAT THE REDEEMER WOULD BE 
SON OF GOD. 

"The Lord hath said to me, 
rhou art my Son : this day have I 
begotten thee. Ask of me and I 
\A\l give thee the gentiles for thy 
. nheritance, and the utmost parts 
«i tJie eartli for thy possession." 



FULFILMENT. 

in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, say- 
ing, Arise, take the child and his 
mother, and go into the land of 
Israel ; for they are dead that 
sought the life of the child. Who 
arose, and took the child and his 
mother, and came into the land cf 

Israel That it might be fulfilled 

which the Lord spoke by the pro- 
phet saying, Out of Egypt have f 
called my Son." (Matt, ii.) 



" The law was given by Moses, 
grace and truth came by Jesus 
Christ." (John i. 17.) 

'•He (the Lord Jesus) is the 
mediator of the New Testament." 
(Heb. ix. 15.) 

"Jesus taketh unto him Petei 
and James, and John his brother, 
and bringeth them up into a high 

mountain apart and lo! a 

voice out of the cloud, saying, 
This is my beloved Son, in whom 
I am well pleased, hear ye him.*' 
(Matt. xvii. 1.) 



" God, who at sundry times, av.i 
in divers manners spoke in times 
past to the Fathers by the proph 
ets, last of all in these days hath 
spoken to us by his Son, whom he 
hath appointed heir of all things 
by whom also he made the world. *' 
(Heh. i. 1.) 

" And he was teaching daily in 
the Temple." (Lukexix.) "The 
woman saith to him, I know thai 
the Messias cometh who is called 
Christ, therefore when he is come^ 
he will tell us all things. Jesa 
saith to lier, I am he who an 
speaking with tliee." (John, iv, 
25.) 



"The Word was maJe flesh, 
and dwelt among us, (and we saw 
his glory, the glory as it were of 
the only begotten of tlie Falbfr,) 
full of grace and truth." (John i. 
14.) 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



828 



PRJEDICTIONS. 

(Ps. ii. 7.) "And the gentilus 
ehall fear thy name, O Lord, and 
oil the kings of the earth thy glory." 
(Ps. ci. J7.) "The Lord said to 
my Lord, sit thou on my right 
hand until I make thy enemies thy 
footstool." (Ps. cix. 1.) "Adore 
him, all you his angels." (Ps. 
xcvi. 7.) "Thy throne, O God, 
is for ever and ever. The sceptre 
of thy kingdom is a sceptre of up- 
rightness. Thou hast loved jus- 
tice and hatedst iniquity; there- 
fore God, thy God hath anointed 
thee with the oil of gladness 
above thy fellows." (Ps. xliv. 7.) 
" In the beginning, O, Lord, thou 
foundedst the earSi, and the hea- 
vens are the works of thy hands. 
They shall perish, but Thou re- 
mainest, and all of them shall grow 
old like a garment, and as a ves- 
ture Thou Shalt change them, and 
Uiey shall be changed ; but Thou 
irt always the self-same, and thy 
leara shall not fail." (Ps. ci. 26.) 



FULFILMENT. 

"The Pliarisees being gathered 
together, Jesus asked them, say- 
ing. What think ye of Christ: 
Whose son is he? They say to 
him, David's. He saith to them, 
How then doth David in spirit 
call him Lord, saying, The Lord 
said to my Lord," &c. If Da 
vid then call him Lord, how is 
he his son.? And no man was 
able to answer him." (Matt, 
xxii. 41.) 

" God, who at sundry times, and 
in divers manners spoke, in times 
past to the fathers by the prophets, 
last of all in these days hatli spo 
ken to us by his Son, whom he 
hath appointed heir of all tilings 
by whom also he made the world. 
Who being the brightness of his 
glory, and the figure of his sub- 
stance, and upholding all things by 
the word of his power, making 
purgation of sins, sitteth on the 
right hand of the Majesty on high 
. . .to which of the angels hath he 
said at any time, Thou art my son, 
&c. And again, when he bringeth 
in the first begotten into the world, 
he saith, »dnd let all the angels of 
God adore him. And to the angeia 
indeed he saith, He that maketh 
his angels spirits, and his ministers 
a flame of fire. But to the Son, 
Thy throne, Q God, &c. And 
Thou in the beginning, O Lord, 
didst found the earth, &c. But to 
which of the angels said he at any 
time, Sit on my right hand,'' &c 
(Heb. 1.) 



9VK BLESSED LORD PREFIGURED 
BY MELCHISEDECH, AND DE- 
SIGNATED * PRIEST FOR EVER,' 
ACCORDING TO HIS ORDER, BY 
THE ROYAL PROPHET. 

" Melchisedech, the king of Sa- 
lem, bringing forth bread and wine, 
for he was the priest of the Most 
High God, blessed him and said, 
Blessed be Abram by you; the 
Most High God, who created hea- 
ven and earth, and blessed be the 
Most High God, by whose protec- 
tion the enemies are in thy hands." 



"The Lora Jesus, the same 
night in which he was betrayed, 
took bread and giving thanks, 
broke and said. This is my Body 
which shall be delivered for you, 
this do for the commemoration or 
me. In like manner also the chal 
ice, after he had supped, saying, 
This chalice is the New Testament 



324 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDICTIONS. 

And he gave him titlies of all." 
(Gen. xiv. 18.) 

" The Lord hath sworn, and he 
will not repent, Thou art a priest 
for ever, according to the order of 
MftJcbisedech." (Ps. cix. 9.) 



BtS DOCTRINE TO BE PREACHED 
TO THE POOR. 

" The Spirit of the Lord is upon 
me, because the Lord hath anoint- 
ed me. He hath sent nie to preach 
to the meek, to heal the contrite 
of heart, and to preach a release to 
the captives, and deliverance to 
them that are shut up. To pro- 
claim the acceptable year of the 
Lord, and the day of vengeance 
of our God ; to comfort all that 
mourn." (Isaias Ixi. 1.) 

HIS MIRACLES. 

*-God himself vvill come and will 
save you, then shall the eyes of 
the blind be opeired, and the ears 
of the deaf shall be unstopped, then 
shall the lame man leap as a hart, 
and the tongue of the dumb shall 
be free." (Isaias xxxv. 5.) 



HIS MEEKXESS. 

"Behold my servant, I yvill 
uphold him, my elect, my soul 
delighteth in him, I have given 
tiy Spirit upon him, he shall bring 



FULFILMENT. 

in my blood. This do ye, as 
often as you shall drink for the 
commemoration of me." (1 Cor, 
xi. 23.) 

" If then perfection was by the 
Levitical priesthood, (for under 
it the people received the law) 
what further need was there that 
another priest should rise accord- 
ing to the order of Melcbisedech, 
and not be called according to the 
order of Aaron .... For he of whom 
these things are spoken, is of ano- 
ther tribe, of which no one attend- 
ed at the altar. For it is evident 
that our Lord sprung out of Juda, 
in which tribe Moses spoke noth- 
ing concerning priests. And it is 
yet far more evident, if, according 
to the similitude of Melcbisedech, 
there ariseth another priest." - 
(Heb. vii. IL) 



" And the book of Isaias the 
prophet "was delivered unto him, 
and as he unfolded the book, he 
found the place where it was writ- 
ten. The spirit of the Lord, &,c. 
And he began to say to them. This 
day is fulfilled this scripture in 
your ears. And all gave testimony 
to him, and they wondered at the 
grace that proceeded from his 
mouth." (Luke iv. 17.) 



" Now when John had heard in 
prison the works of Christ, send- 
ing two of his disciples he said to 
him. Art thou he that art to come- 
or look we for another i* And Je- 
sus making answer said to tliem 
Go, and relate to John what yo; 
have heard and seen; the bfii* 
see, the lame walk, the lepers are 
cleansed, tlie deaf hear, the dead 
rise again, the poor have tlie gos- 
pel preached to them." (Matt. xi> 
2, and Luke vii. 19.) 



"At that time Jesus answered 
and said, t confess to thee O 
Father, Lord of heaven and earthj 
because thou hast hid these tilings 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



325 



PREDICTIONS. 

forth judgment to th 'j gentiles. He 
RhalJ not cry, nor liave respect to 

Kersons, neither shall his voice be 
eard abroad. The bruised reed 
he shall not break and the smoking 
flax he shall not quench : He shall 
bring forth judgment unto truth, 
jie shall not be sad nor trouble- 
•ome," (Isai<ii xlii. 1.) 



FULFILMENT. 



from the wise and prudent, and 
hast revealed them to little ones, 
^ea Father ; for so hath it seemed 
good in thy sight. All things aie 
dehvered to me by my Father 
and no one knoweth the Son but 
the Father ; neither doth any one 
know the Father but the Son ; and 
he to whom it shall please the Son 
to reveal him. Come to me all 
you that labor, and are burdened, 
and I will refresh you. Take up 
my yoke upon you, and learn of 
me, because I am meek and hum- 
ble of heart, and you shall find resT 
to your souls." (Matt. xi. 25.) 



"The zeal of thy house hath 
eafrm me up/' (Ps. Ixviii. 10.) 



eSE-TiST'S ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM. 

'* riejoice greatly, O daughter of 
Bicm, shout for joy O daughter of 
Jerusalem, Behold thy king vnll 
come to thee, the just and Sa- 
viour; he is poor and riding upon 
an ass, and upon a colt the foal of 
an ass." (Zac. ix. 9.) 

" Blessed be he that cometh in 
Uie nariC of tlie Lord." (Ps. 
exvii. ?5 ) 

'"^B'ihoM the Lord hath made 
it lo h^ I'eard in the ends of the 
eanii, v^l the daughter of Sion 
belj'.i'l ih} Saviour cometh." — 
UsaJin .jji. 11.) 



28 



"And he found in the tempw 
them that sold oxen, and sheep, 
and doves, and the changers of 

money sitting and when he had 

made as it were a scourge of little 
cords, he drove them all out of the 
temple, the sheep also, and the 
oxen; and the money of tlie 
changers he poured out ; and the 
tables he overtlirew ; and to them 
that sold doves he said, Take these 
things hence, and make not the 
House of my Father a house of 
ti-affic. And his disciples remem- 
bered that it was written, '^The 
zeal of thy Aoiwe," &c. (John 
ii. 14.) 



" And when they were drawing 
near to Jerusalem and to Betha- 
nia, at the Mount of Olives, he 
sendeth two of his disciples, and 
saith to them. Go into the village 
that is over against you, and im- 
mediately at your coming in thither- 
you shall find a colt tied, upon 
which no man yet hath set : loose 
him and bring him: and if any 
man shall say to you. What are 
you doing? say ye that the Lord 
hath need of him : and immediate- 
ly he will let him come hitlier. . . . 
And they brought the colt to Jes^, 
and they laid their garments on 
him, and he sat upon him. And 
many spread their garments in the 
way ; and others cut down boughs 
from the trees, and strewed them 



526 



EXTRACT'S FROM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDICTIONS. 



BY WHOM BETR^^D. 

•* For even the man of my peace 
in whom I trusted, who e.it my 
bread hath greatly supplanted me." 
(Pa. xl. 10.) 



FOR WHAT PRICE. 

** And they weighed for my wa- 
; gea thirty pieces of silver, and tlie 
Lord said to me, cast it to the sta- 
tuary, a handsome price that I was 
> prized at by them. And I took 
the thirty pieces of silver, and I 
cast them into the house of the 
Lord to the statuary." (Zach. 
xi. 12.) 



FULFILMENT. 

ill the way. And they that went 
before, and they that followed, 
cried, saying, Hosannak, hlesied is 
he that cometh in the name of the 
Lord.. And he entered into Jeru- 
salem (Mark xi.) Now all this 

was done that it might be fulfilleii 
which was spoken by the prophet 
saying, Tell ye the daughter oj 
Sion: Behold thy King cometh tQ 
thee,'' &c. (Mall. xxi. 4.) 



" And Judas Iscariot, one of tho 
twelve went to the chief priests to 
betray him to them.. ..And when 
they were at table, and eating, 
Jesus saith, Amen, I say unto you, 
one of you that eateth with me 
shall betray me. But they began 
to be sorrowful, and to say to him 
one by one. Is it I .'' who saith to 
them, one of the twelve who dip- 
peth with me his hand in tlie dish.'* 
(Mark xiv. 10.) 



" Then went one of the twelve, 
who was called Judas Iscariot, t* 
the chief priests, and said to them 
What will you give me, and I wil 
deliver him unto you .'' Bu* thef 
appointed him tliirty p^'iflaa (^ 9il 
ver." (Matt. xxyi. U.) 



THE FOLLOWING, QUOTED BY ST. 
MATTHEW FROM JEREMIAS, IS 
NO LONGER FOUND IN THE 
ORIGINAL, BEING LOST, TOGE- 
THER WITH OTHER PORTIONS 
OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. 

"And they took the tlurty pieces 
of silver, the price of him that was 
prised, whom they prized of the 
children of Israel, and they gave 
Ihem into the potters' field as the 
Loid appointed to me."* (Matt, 
■xivii. 9.) 



"Then Judas, who betrayed 
him, seeing tliat he was condemn 
ed, repenting himself, brought baolr 
the thirty pieces of silver to th« 
chief priests and ancients, saying, 
I have sinned in betrayinij inno- 
cent blood. But they said. What 
is that to us, look thou to it. And 
casting down the pieces of silver 
in the Temple, he departed and 
went and hanged himself with a 

* St. Jerom says that he saw the above text in a Hebrew copy c^ 
Jeremias, which was shown to him by a Jew 



EXTOACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



327 



PREDICTIONS. 



•7 THE ENVY OF CHRIST'S ENE- 
MIES, J^D THEIR MALICIOUS 
DESIGNS AGAINST HIM. 

" Let US therefore lie in wait for 
die Just, because he is not for our * 
nun, and he is contrary to our 
doings, and upbraideth us with 
transgressions of the law, and di- 
vulgeth against us the sins of our 
way of life. He boasteth that he 
batli the knowledge of God, and 
calleth himself the Son of God. 
He is become a censurer of our 
thoughts. He is grievous unto us 
even to behold ; for his life is not 
like other men's, and his ways are 
very different. We are esteemed 
by him as trifles, and he abstaineth 
from our ways as from filthiness, 
and he preferretJi the latter end of 
the just, and glorieth that he hatli 
God for his father. Let us see 
then if his words be true, and let 
us prove what shall happen to him, 
and we shall know what his end 
Bhall be. For if he be the true Son 
of God, he will defend him, and 
will deliver him from the hands of 
his enemies. Let us examine him 
by outrages and tortures, that we 
may know his meekness and try 
his patience. Let us condemn him 
to a most shameful death, for there 
shall be respect had unto him by 
his words. These things they 
thought, and were deceived, for 
Iheir own malice blinded them." 
(Wis. ii. 12.) 



FULFILMENT. 

halter. But the chief priests ha|ir- 
ing taken the pieces of silver, said, 
It is not lawful to put them into 
the corbona, because it is the price 
of blood ; and after they had con 
suited together, they bought with 
them the potters' field to be a bury- 
ing place for strangers." (Matt, 
xxvii. 3.) 



"The chief priests, therefore, 
and the Pharisees gathered a coun- 
cil, and said. What do we, for thia 
man doth many miracles.? If we 
let him alone so, all will believe in 
him, and the Romans will come 
and take away our place and na- 
tion. But one of them, named 
Caiphas, being the High Priest 
that year, said to them. You know 
nothing ; neither do you consider 
that it is expedient for you that 
one man should die for the people, 
and that the whole nation perish 
not.... From tliat day, therefore;, 
they devised to put him to death." 
(John xi. 47.) " When the chief 
priests, therefore, and the servants 
had seen him, they cried out, say- 
ing. Crucify him, crucify him. 
Pilate saith to them. Take him 
you and crucify him, for I find no 
cause in him. The Jews answer- 
ed him. We have a law, and ac- 
cording to that law he ought to die, 
because he made himself tlie Son 
of God." (John xix.) 

"And they that passed, blas- 
ohemed him, wagging their heads, 
and saying, Vah, thou that de 
stroyed the temple of God, and in 
three days dost rebuild it, save thy 
own self; if thou be the Son of 
God come down from the cross. 
In like manner also, the chief 
priests, with the scribes and an- 
cients, mocking, said. He savea 
others, himself he cannot save ; if 
he be the King of Israel, let him 
now come down from the cross, 
and we will believe him. He 
trusted in God, let him now de- 
liver him, if he vdll have him ; for 
he said I am the Son of Gods* 
(Matt, xxvii. 39.) 



328 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROl'HETS. 



PREDICTIONS. 

HIS SEIZURE. 

" The breath of our mouth, 
Ohrist the Lord is taken in our 
sins." (Lam. iv. 20.) 

" They have opened their mouths 
against me as a Uon ravening and 

roaring many dogs have en- 

compus?ed me, the council of tlie 
malignant hath besieged me." (Ps. 
JLXi. 14.) 



THE FLIGHT OF THE APOSTLES. 

" Awake, O sword, against my 
shepherd, and against the man that 
cleaveth to me, saith tiie Lord of 
Hosts: strike the shepherd and 
the sheep shall be scattered." 
(Zac. xiii. 7.) 

"And I looked for one that 
would grieve together with me, 
but there was none, and for one ^ 
that would comfort me, and I * 
found none." (Ps. Iviii. 21.) 



FULFILMENT 



" Judas therefore having receivw 
ed i\ band of soldiers and servants 
from the chief priests, and the 
Pharisees, cometh thither with 
lanterns, and torches, and wea- 
pons Then the band, and the 

tribune, and the servants of the 
Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 
and they led him away to Annas, 
first, for he was father-in law to 
Caiphas, who was the High Priest 
of that year. Now Caiphas was 
•he, who had given the counsel to 
the Jews, that it was expedient 
that one man should die for tlie 
people." (John xviii. 3.) 



" Then his disci»ne:i leaving him, 
all fled away, " ^Morn juv, 50.) 



THE SCOURGING OF OUR DIVINE 
LORD. 

" I have given my body to the 
strikers, and my cheeks to them 
that plucked them, I have not 
turned away my face from them 
that rebuked me and spit upon 
me." " He was w^ounded for our 
iniquities, he was bruised for our 
Bins, the chastisement of our peace 
was upon him, and by his bruises 
we are healed." (Is. 1. 6; and 
liii. 5.) 



"Then therefore Pilate took 
Jesus and scourged him, and the 
soldiers platting a crown of thorns, 
put it upon his head, and they put 
on him a purple garment, and they 
came to him and said, Hail King 
of the Jews, and they gave him 
blows." (Johnxix. 1.) 

"And spitting upon lim, they 
took the reed and struck his head. • * 
(Matt, xxvii. 30.) 

"And the men that held him 
mocked him, and struck him." 
(Luke xxii. 63.) 



HIS PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERINGS. 

" He shall be led as a sheep to 
tiie slaughter, and shall be dumb 
as a lamb before his shearer, and 
ne shall not open his moutli." 
(Isaias liii. 7.) 



i 



" And when he was accused by 
the chief priests and ancients he 
answered nothing.'* (Matt, xxvii. 
12.) 

" And bearing his own cross he 
went forth to that place wliicb i« 



EXTRACTS JFROM THE PROPHETS. 



329 



PREDICTIONS. 



rBE INJURY HE SUFFERED IN REPU- 
TATION. 

*' He was reputed with the wick- 
ed." (Is. liii. IQ.) 

" Despised and the most abject 
jf men, a man of sorrows, and ac- 
quainted with infirmity; and his 
'iook was as it were liidden and 
despised, whereupon we esteemed 
him not.... And we have thought 
hira as it were a leper, and as one 
litrui^k by God and afflicted, (Is. 
liii. 3.) 



FULFILMENT, 
called Calvary, but in Hebrew 
Golgotha." (John xix. 17.) 



"Many bore false witness against 
him." (Mark xiv. 56.) 

"And they began to accuse him 
saying. We have found this man 
perverting our nation, and forbid- 
ding to give tribute to Ccesar, and 
saying that he is Christ the King 
.... Herod with his arm> set him 
at nought, and mocked him, put- 
ting on him a wliite garment." 
(Luke xxiii. 2.) 

"And with him they crucifjjr 
two thieves, the one on his right 
hand, and the other on his left; 
and the Scripture was fulfilled 
which saith, *dnd ivith the ivickcd 
he vms reputed." (Mark xv. 27.) 



THE WOUNDS ON HIS HANDS AND 
FEET. 

'* They have dug my hands and 
feet." (Psalms xxi. 17.) 

"And they shall say to him, 
What are these wounds in the 
midst of thy hands. And he shall 
say. With these I was wounded in 
the house of them that loved me." 
(Zac. xiii. 6.) 



" And when they were come to 
the place which is called Calvary, 
they crucified him there." (Luke 
xxiii. 33.) 

Nailing his hands and feet with 
gross nails to the wood of the cross. 



OUR BLESSED LORD's PRAYING FOR 
HIS EXECUTIONERS. 

" He hath delivered his 

Boul unto death, and was reputed 
with the wicked; and he hath 
borne the sins of many, and hath 
prayed for the transgressors." — 
(Isaias liii. 12.) 



THE VINEGAR AND GALL GIVEN 
HIM ON THE CROSS. 

" And they gave me gall for niy 
food, and in my thirst they gave 
nre vinegar to drink." (Ps. Iviii. 
32.) 



29* 



" And when they were come to^ 
the place which is called Calvary^ 
they crucified him there ; and tha 
robbers, one on the right hand, and' 
the other on the left. And Jesus 
said. Father forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." (Lmke 
xxiii. 33.) 



"And they gave him wine to 
drink mingled with gall." (Matt, 
xxvii. 34.) 

Jesus knowing that all things 
were now accomplished, that the 
Scripture might be fulfilled, said 
I thirst. Now there was a vessel 
set there full of vinegar ; and th^y 
putting a sponge full of vinegar 



880 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PROPHETS. 



PREDICTIONS. 



Blfl CRUCIFIXION PREFIGURED BY 
THE BRAZEN SERPENT. 

"As Moses lifted up the serpent 
in the desert, so must the Son of 
Man be lifted up." (John iii. 14.) 



FULFILMENT. 

about hyssop, put it to his mouth.'* 
(John xix. 28.) 



*^They crucified him..... and 
Pilate wrote a tiile also, and he 
put it upon the cross, and the 
wriiing was, Jesus of N;iz,aretli 
the King of the Jews."' (John 
xix. 18.) 



THE DIVISION OF HIS GARMENTS. 

" They parted my garments 
amongst them, and upon my ves- 
ture they cast lots." (Ps. xxi. 19.) 



THE PIERCING OF OUR LORD's SIDE. 

*<They shall look upon me 
whom they have pierced." (Zac. 
JxL 10.) 



CCDPEN DARKNESS AT HIS DEATH. 

"And it shall come to pass in 
Ihat day, saith the Lord God, that 
Sic sun shall go down at mid-day, 
and I will make tlie earth dark in 
-iJie day of light." (Amos viii. 9.) 



"The soldiers therefore when 
they had crucified him took his 
garments, and they made four 
parts, to every soldier a part, and 
also his coat. Now the coat was 
without seam, woven from the top 
throughout. They said then to 
one anotlier, Let us not cut it, but 
let us cast lot^ for it whose it shall 
be; that the Scripture might be 
fulfilled, saying. They have parted 
my garments,^^ &c. (John xix. 
23.) 



"They broke the legs of the 
first, and of the other that was 
crucified witli him ; but after they 
were come to Jesus when tliey 
saw that he was already dead, 
they did not break his legs; but 
one of the soldiers with a spear 
opened his side, and immediately 
there came out blood and water. 
....For these things were done 
that the Scripture miglit be ful- 
filled. You shall not break a hon& 
of him; and again, another Scrip- 
ture saith. They shall look oi\ him 
whom they jpierced.'^ (John lix. 
32 to 37.) 



"And it was almost the sixth 
hour; and there was darkness 
over all the earth until the ninth 
hour. And the sun was darkened, 
and the veil of the temple was rent 
in the midst. And Jesus crying 
with a loud voice, said. Father 
into thy hands I commend my spi 
rit. And saying this he gave uj» 
the ghost" (Luke xxiii. 44.) 



EXTRACTS FROM THfi FllOPHETS. 



331 



PREDICTIONS. 

evfi BLESSED lord's BURIAL AND 
RESrjRF.ErTION PREFIGURED 
BY JONAS. 

"All evi] and adulterous gene- 
ration seeketh a sign ; and a sign 
shall not be given it, but the sign 
of Jonas the prophet. For as Jo- 
nas was in the whale's belly three 
days and three nights, so shall the 
Bon of Man be in the heart of the 
earth three days and three nights." 
(Matt. xii. 39, and Jonas i.) 



FULFILMENT. 



" Why seek you the living with 
the dead, he is not here, but is 
risen. Remember how he spoke 
unto you, when he was yet in 
Galilee, saying. The Son of Man 
must be delivered into the handi 
of sinful men, and be crucified, 
and the third day rise again: and 
they remembered his words ; and 
going back from the sepulchre, 
they told all these things to the 
eleven and to all the rest." (Luke 
xxiv. 5.) 



OUR BLESSRD LORD's ASCENSION. 

" Thou hast ascended on high, 
Thou hast led captivity captive, 
Thou hast received gifts in men 
.... sing ye to God who mounteth 
above the heaven of heavens, to 
the east." (Pap^m Ixvii. IQ.'' 

" God is asc*-r^ded with jubilee 
and the Loxd *ith the sound of 
trumpet." (Zs. xlvi. 6.) 



" While they looked on he was 
raised up, and a cloud received 
him out of their sight. And while 
they were beholding him go up to 
heaven, behold two men stood by 
them in white garments, who also 
said. Ye men of Galilee why stand 
you looking up to heaven ^ This 
Jesus who is taken up from you 
into heaven, shall so come as you 
have seen him going into heaven." 
(Acts i. 9.) 



THE DKaC'CXT OF THE HOLY 
GHOST. 

*'It sha" «iome to pass after this, 
that r wiU pour out my Spirit upon 
all flesh ; and your sons and your 
daughtejts shall prophesy ; your 
old men shall dream dreams, 
and your young men shall see 
visions. Moreover upon my ser- 
vants and handmaids in those days 
I will pour forth my Spirit. (Joel 
^28.) 



"And when the days of the 
Pentecost were accomplished^ 
they were altogether in one place ; 
and suddenly there came a sound 
from heaven as of a mighty wind 
coming, and it filled the whole 
house where they were sitting. 
And there appeared to them part- 
ed tongues as it were of fire, and 
it sat upon every one of them* 
and they were all filled with the 
Holy Ghost, and they began to 
speak with divers tongues, accord- 
ing as the Holy Ghost gave them 

to speak This is that which 

was spoken by the prophet Joel : 
Jind it shall come to j^ass," &c. 
(Acts ii. 1.) 
•'And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded to 

them in all the Scriptures the things that were concerning him."— 

(Luke xxiv. 27.) 
" We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the proplieUi 

did write, Jesus, the son of Joseph of Nacareth.— (John 1. 45.) 



SCRIPTURE TEXTS 



INFALLIBILITY OF THE CHURCH. 

"Going therefore teach ye all nations And be^^olj t 

am with you all days, even to the consummation of th* 
world." (Matt, xxviii. 19, 20.) The Church is "thepilU- 
and ground of truth." (1 Tim. iii. 15.) 

THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHURCH. 

" Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel t* 
every creature." (Mark xvi. 15.) "He that heareth you, 
heareth me ; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me ; anrt 
he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me." (Luk^ 
X. 16.) "If he will not hear them, tell the Church; and i 
he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen 
and the publican." (Matt, xviii. 11.) 

FAITH NECESSARY TO SALVATION. 

" He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; but he 
that believeth not shall be condemned." (Mark xvi. IQA 
" Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb. xi. 6.) 

FAITH NOT SUFFICIENT WITHOUT WORKS. 

" If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments." 
(]\Iatt xix. 11.) "So let your light shine before men that 
they may see your good works and glorify your Father who 
is in hpaven." (Matt. v. 16.) "If I should have all faith, 
BO that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I 
am nothing." (1 Cor. xiii. 2.) " As a body without the 
fioirit is dead ; so also faith without works is dead." (James 
if. 2€.) 

BAPTISM. 

" Going therefore teach ye all nations, baptizing them in 
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy 
Ghost." (Matt, xxviii. 19.) " Except a man be born again 
of water and the Ho^y Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom 
of God." (John iii. 5.) " Be baptized every one of you,'' 
(Acts ii. 38.) 

CONFIRMATION. 

"Now when the Apostles that were in Jerusalem had 
lieard that Samaria had received the word of God, they 
3^2 



APPENDIX. 333 

gent to them Peter and John, who, when thej were come, 
prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. 
Then they laid their hands upon them, and they receive*! 
the Holy Ghost." (Acts viii. 14, 15, 11.) "And when Paul 
bad imposed his hands upon tJiem, the Holy Ghost came 
upon them." (Acts xix. 6.) 

THE BLESSED EUCHARIST. 

" While they were at supper Jesus took bread and blessed 
And broke, and gave to his disciples and said, Take ye and 
&at, this is my body ; and taking the chalice he gave thanks 
ftnd gave to them saying. Drink ye all of this, for this is my 
blood of the New Testament which shall be shed for many 
unto remission of sins." (Matt. xxvi. 26 — 28.) See also 
Mark xiv. 22 — 24, and Luke xxii. 19, 20. 

COMMUNION UNDER ONE KIND. 

" If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever.'* 
(John vi. 52.) "Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread 
■or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty 
of the body and of the blood of the Lord." (1 Cor. xi. 21.) 
Observe the word or, in the first part of the sentence, [" eat 
or drink"] and the word and in the second [ " the body and 
blood."] 

SACRIFICE OF THE MASS. 

" I have no pleasure in yon, saith the Lord of Hosts, and 
I will not receive a gift of your hand : for from the rising 
of the sun even to the going down, my name is great among 
the gentiles, and in every place there is sacrifice, and ther* 
is ofiered to my name a clean oblation." (Mai. i. 10, 11.^ 
"Melchisedech, the king of Salem, bringing forth bread am' 
wine, for he was the priest of the Most High God." (GeiK 
i.iv. 18.) "The Lord hath sworn and he will not repenl^ 
Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Me! 
chisedech." (Psm. cix. 4.) St. Paul dwells strongly a* 
Christ's priesthood according to the order of Melchisedecb 
in the fifth and seventh chapter of his Epistle to th« 
Hebrews. " And taking bread he gave thanks and brake 
and gave to them saying. This is my body which is giveR 
for you. Do this for a commenioraion of me. In like man- 
ner the chalice also after he had supped saying : This is the 
chalice the New Testament in mv blood, which shall b€ 
nhca for you." (Luke xxii. 19, 20.) 



334 ArFENDix. 

PENANCE. 

" Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon 
earth shall be bound also in heaven : and whatsoever you 
shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven." 
(Matt, xviii. 18.) ''He breathed on them and he said to 
them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall 
forgive, they ure forgiven them ; and whose sins you shalJ 
retain, they are retained." (John xx. 22, 23.) 

EXTREME UNCTION. 

** Is any man sick amongst you ? Let him bring in the 
priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anoint- 
ing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of 
faith shall save the sick man ; and the Lord shall raise him 
up, and if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him." ( Jamea 
T. 14, 15.) 

HOLY ORDERS. 

" I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God, which 
is in thee by the imposition of my hands." (2 Tim. i. 6.) 
" These, they set before the apostles, and they, praying, im- 
posed hands upon them." (Acts vi. 6.) "They fasting and 
praying, and imposing their hands on them, sent them 
away." (Acts xiii. 3.) 

MATRIMONY. 

^ What therefore God hath joined together let not man 
put asunder." (Mark x. 9.) "For this cause shall a man 
leave his foiher and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, 
and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great sacra- 
ment, but I speak in Christ and in the Church." (Eplies. r. 
31, 32.) 

APOSTOLIC TRADITION. 

" Go ye into the whole world, and preach the Gospel to 
every creature." (Mark xvi. 15.) "Hold the form of sound 
words which thou hast heard of me in faith." (2 Tim. 1. 13.) 
"And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every 
brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradi- 
tion which they have received of us." (2 Thes. iii. 6.) "The 
things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the 
same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teAch 
others also." (2 Tim. 11. 2.) 



APPENDIX. 335 

RELICS. 

"And God wrought by the hand of Paul more than com- 
mon miracles, so that even there were brought from his 
body to the sick, handkerchiefs, and aprons, and the diseases 
departed from them. And the wicked spirits went out of 
them." (Acta xix. 11, 12.) 

INDULGENCES. 

*' Amen, I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind on eaith 
ihall be bound also in heaven ; and whatsoever you shall 
loose on earth, shall be loosed also in heaven." (Matt xviiL 
18.) " Wherefore, I beseech you that you would confirm your 
charity towards him, .... for what I forgive .... I have 
done it in the person of Christ." (2 Cor. ii. 8, 10.) 

PURGATORY AND PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD. 

" Judas, the valiant commander, having made a gather- 
ing, sent 1,200 drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice, 
to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and 
religiously concerning the resurrection It is there- 
fore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, 
that they may be loosed from sins." (2 Mac. xiL 43, 46.) 

COMMUNION OE SAINTS.' 

" There shall be joy before the angels of God, upon one 
sinner doing penance." (Luke xv. 10.) The angel Raphael 
said to Tobias, " When thou didst pray with tears and 

didst bury the dead I offered thy prayer to the Lord." 

(Tobias xii. 12.) ... . " The four and twenty ancients fell 
ttown before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, 
and golden vials full of odors which are the prayers oC Uif 
Sftints." (Apoc. v. S.j . 



SHORT SKETCHES OF THE 



APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS, 

TAKEN FROM ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



ST. PETER. 

After the apostolic labors recorded of St. Peter in Holy 
Scripture, he preached the gospel in Italy and other prov- 
inces of the west, and meeting St. Paul in Rome, whither he 
had returned after his first imprisonment, they both preach- 
ed the faith in that city, and sealed it with their blood in 
the first general persecution raised by Nero. St. Peter was 
condemned to be crucified, at the place of execution, through 
a spirit of humility and compunction, and a desire of suf- 
fering for his Divine Master, he begged that it might be with 
his head downwards. The feast of St. Peter is kept on the 
29th of June. 

ST. PAUL. 

St. Paul having been released from prison in Rome, where, 
as mentioned in the Acts, he was confined two years, went 
back to the East, and after many apostolic labors returned 
to Rome, where he and St. Peter used their united e:^ertions 
:n cultivating that portion of the vineyard, in which both 
suffered martyrdom, St. Peter being crucified as related 
above, and St. Paul beheaded. His head is kept in the 
church of St. John Lateran, but his body lies with St. 
Peter's, half in the Vatican, and half in his own church, on 
the Ostian road, near Rome. The feast of St. Paul is kept 
on the 30th of June. 

ST. ANDREW. 

St. Andrew, as mentioned in Holy Scripture, was brother 
of St. Peter, and, like him, a fisherman. He was a disciple 
of St. John the Baptist, but on hearing him point out our 
Blessed Saviour as the Lamb of God, he immediately foV 
Jowed him, and was the first called of the apostles. True 
charity being ever active, St. Andrew lost no time in bring- 
ing his brother, then called Simon, to our Lord, who at 
once admitted him, and gave him the name of Peter. After 
336 



APPENDIX. 337 

the descent of the Holy Ghost, St. Andrew preached the 
gospel in Scjthia in Greece, and was crucified for the faith 
at Patrse, in Achaia ; the general opinion is on a cross in 
the form of the letter X. The feast of St. Andrew is sept 
on the 30th of November. 

ST. JAMES THE GEEAT. 

St. James, surnamed the Great, to distinguish him from 
the other St. James, called the Less, perhaps from hia 
Btature, was brother of St. John the Evangelist, and a fish- 
erman. He and his brother John were called the same day, 
but he was considerably older. Our Blessed Lord gave them 
both the surname of Boanerges, or sons of thunder, proba- 
bly to denote their great zeal. It is supposed that on the 
dispersion of the Christians, after the martyrdom of St 
Stephen, St. James preached to the dispersed Jews, (tho 
tribes scattered among the gentiles,) and also to the people 
of Spain. He returned to Jerusalem, after ten years apos- 
tolic labors, and was beheaded for the faith the year follow- 
ing, by Herod Agrippa : he was the first of the apostles who 
suffered martyrdom. His feast is kept on the 25th of July. 

ST. JOHN. 

St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, styled by excellence 
the beloved disciple, was brother of St. James the Great, and 
son of Zebedee and Salome. He was young when called by 
our Lord, and survived his Divine Master seventy years. To 
him our Lord committed the care of his blessed Mother, 
recommending her to him from the cross. Like the other 
saints who were present at our Lord's crucifixion, he did not 
actually end his life by martyrdom, but he is styled a mar- 
tyr on account of his sufferings, and particularly from hia 
having been carried to Rome and there thrown into a cald- 
ron of boiling oil in the second general persecution, under 
Domitian, from which he miraculously came out unhurt. 
He was then banished to the island of Patmos, where he was 
favored with the revelations he has left us. His exile did 
not last more than about a year, for on the death of Domi- 
tian all his edicts were reversed, and St. John resumed his 
apostolic labors with unabated charity and zeal, though 
then advanced in years. Finding on his return from banish- 
ment, that St. Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus, had been crown- 
ed with martyrdom some months before, he took on himself 
the government of that see, and there died in peace, never 
ceasing to his last breath to exhort his flock to mutual 
charity. His feast is kept on the 27th of December. 
29 



338 appe^dljl. 

st. philip. 

After the descent of the Holy Ghost, St Philip went to 
Phrygia, where he preached the gospel. He lived to an ad- 
vanced age, and died at Hieropolis, in Phrygia. His feast is 
kept on the 1st of May. 

ST. BARTHOLOMEW. 
St. Bartholomew is considered to be the same person aj 
Nathaniel, a doctor of the Jewish law, who was brought to 
Christ by St. Philip, and chosen for an apostle. The ground 
of this opinion is, that whereas St. John never mentions 
Bartholomew among the apostles, the other three evangelists 
take no notice of the name of Nathaniel, and constantly put 
together Philip and Bartholomew, as St. John says, Philip 
and Nathaniel came together to Christ. After the descent 
of the Holy Ghost, St. Bartholomew travelled throughout 
the East, and preached the gospel in India. He returned 
again to the western part of Asia, and met St. Philip, at 
Hieropolis, in Phrygia ; thence he went to Lycaonia, and after 
many labors reached a place in Armenia, where preaching 
to some obstinate idolators, he was crowned with martyr- 
dom. Some historians say that he was crucified ; others 
that he was flayed alive. His feast is kept on the 24th of 
August. 

ST. THOMAS. 

The call of St. Thomas, his devotedness to his Divine 
Master, his incredulity respecting the resurrection, with his 
admirable profession of faith, have been related in the early 
part of this book as taken from Holy Scripture. After the 
descent of the Holy Ghost, St. Thomas preached throughout 
Parthia. When he had converted many in that kingdom, 
he preached in other parts of the East, in Media, Persia, and, 
according to some, in India and Ethiopia. The modern 
Indians say that St. Thomas preached to the Brachmans, and 
to the Indians beyond the great island Taprobana, which 
Bome take to be Ceylon, others Sumatra. They add that he 
suffered martyrdom at Meliapor, or St. Thomas's, in the pen- 
insula, this side of the Ganges, on the Coromandel coajst, 
where his body was discovered with marks that he was slain 
with lances, and the tradition over the East is, that such was 
the manner of his death. His feast is kept on the 21st of 
December. 

ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST. 

St Matthew first preached the gospel in Judea; after- 
irards in the East. He led a very austere life, ate no flesh. 



APPENDIX. 339 

but supported nature witli roots and herbs. His humility ia 
conspicuous in his gospel, in which, though the other evan- 
gelists name him before St. Thomas, he gives that apostle 
precedence, and adds to his own name the epithet of the 
publican. He ended his course in Parthia, some say by 
martyrdom. His feast is kept on the 21st of September. 

ST. JAMES THE LESS. 

St James, surnamed the Less, as some think from kia 
•tature, was son of Alpheus and Mary, the sister of the 
Blessed Virgin. After our Lord's Ascension he was ap- 
pointed Bishop of Jerusalem which see he governed midst 
perpetual danger from the fury of the people, but with such 
eminent sanctity that it acquired for him the surname of the 
Just, and even the Jews reverenced him. He led a most 
austere life, and so frequent were his prostrations, that the 
skin of his knees and forehead became as hard as the hoofs 
of a camel. During a vacancy that occurred between the 
death of one Roman governor and the arrival of his suc- 
cessor, the High Priest Ananias, son of the famous Annas 
mentioned in the gospel, took on himself to assemble the 
Sanhedrim, before which council St. James was accused of 
violating the Mosaic law and condemned to be stoned, the 
Jewish manner of executing criminals. Some historians 
gay that they took him up to the battlements of the Temple, 
and tried to make him renounce his faith ; but he addressed 
the people in different language from what they wanted, 
publicly and solemnly declaring his faith in Jesus Christ, at 
which they cried out, " The just man also hath erred," and 
immediately threw him headlong to the ground. St. James, 
though much bruised, raised himself on his knees, and lift- 
ing up his eyes to heaven, begged of God to pardon his per- 
lecutors. The infuriate mob covered him with a shower of 
•tones, and a fuller gave him a blow with his mallet on the 
head, of which he died. The feast of St. James is kept on 
tiie 1st of May. 

ST. JUDE, SURNAMED THADDEUS. 

St. Jude was brother to St. James the Less. After the 
iescent of the Holy Ghost, he preached throughout Judea, 
iSamaria, Idumea, and Syria, and returned from his missions 
ito Jerusalem after the martyrdom of his brother in the year 
'82. Some historians say that St. Jude suffered martyrdom 
In Persia ; others say at Ararat, in Armenia, being shot to 
death with arrows ; others add, whilst on a cross. His feast 
is kept on the 28th of October. 



840 ArPENDix. 

ST. SIMON, SURNAMED THE ZEALOT. 

St Simon is surnamed Zelotes, or the Zealot, to distinguish 
him from St. Peter and St. Simeon, the brother t)f St. James 
the less. He is also called the Canaanean, whence he is sup- 
posed to have been born at Cana of Galilee. After his eon- 
version he was exceedingly zealous for the honor of his 
Divine Master, and showed a pious indignation against those 
who dishonored their holy faith by the irregularity of their 
lives. No further mention appears of him in the gospel than 
that he was adopted by Christ into the college of the apos- 
tles, and with the rest received the miraculous gifts of the 
Holy Ghost. It is said that he preached in Egypt and other 
parts of Africa; and afterwards in the East, where it is sup- 
posed that he was crucified in Suanir, a city of Persia. His 
feast is kept on the 28th of October. 

ST. MATTHIAS. 

St. Matthias was elected as before-mentioned to succeed 
the unhappy Judas. After the descent of the Holy Ghost, 
he preached the faith in Cappadocia, and on the coasts of 
the Caspian Sea, residing chiefly near the port Issus. He 
was remarkable for his mortified austere life, and he must 
have undergone great hardships among the savage people, 
who formed the portion of the vineyard allotted to him. He 
received the crown of martyrdom in Colchis. His feast is 
kept on the 24th of February. 

THE FOUR EVANGELISTS. 

The account of two, SS. Matthew and John, has been al- 
ready given among the apostles. 

ST. MARK. 

St. Mark was of Jewish extraction, and a disciple of St. 
Peter. Some historians think he was the John Mark, men- 
tioned in the Acts, and styled by St. Peter his son. At the 
request of the Romans, he committed to writing what he 
had learned from the apostle respecting our Divine Lord, 
for it is asserted by some that he had never seen him. St 
Peter revised the work, and approved it, which is probably 
the reason that St. Mark's gospel was by some attributed to 
St. Peter. In it the humility of both is conspicuous, inas- 
much as neither the high commendation given by our 
I ord to St. Peter, nor his walking on the water are men- 
tioned ; but all the circumstances of his denying his Divine 
Master are recorded at full length. St. Mark was appointed 



il 



APPEta)ix. 341 

by St. Peter to the see of Alexandria, where he made a great 
many converts, but had twice to withdraw from the furj of 
the populace. At length on the pagan feast of the idol 
Serapis, they found him offering to God the prayer of the 
Oblation or the Mass, and seizing him, they dragged him by 
the feet through the streets, and then cast him into prison. On 
the following day, the infidels dragged him as before, and 
while the streets were strewed with pieces of his mangled 
flesh, he ceased not praising and thanking God for hia 
sufferings, until he happily expired under his torments. His 
feast is kept on the 25th of April. 

ST. LUKE. 

St. Luke was a native of Antioch, in Syria, but whether 
a convert from Judaism or paganism is uncertain. Histori- 
ans are also divided as to whether he ever saw our Divine 
Lord or not. St. Luke received a liberal education, and was 
by profession a physician. He is said to have excelled also 
in painting, and to have drawn several pictures of Christ 
and the Blessed Virgin. He accompanied St. Paul in many 
of his journeys, and shared the labors, dangers, and suffer- 
ings of that great apostle who mentions him in his epistles, 
styling him, "Beloved physician," and "Fellow-laborer." 
St. Luke wrote his gospel, as he himself assures us, from the 
relations of those, " who from the beginning were eye-wit- 
nesses and ministers of the word." He lived to an advanced 
age, and according to some, closed his life by martyrdom. 
Others say, that though be endured many sufferings for the 
feitb, he ended his lite in peace. His feast 19 kept on the 
lath of October. 
29* 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 
Of the Principal Events in Sacred History. 

FIRST AGE. 

A. a 

Creation of the world 4004 

Able killed— aged 128 years 38T6 

Adam dies — ^aged 930 years 3074 

Seth dies— aged 902 years 2962 

Enos dies — aged 905 years 2864 

Methusalem dies — aged 969 years 2348 

SECOND AGE. 

Universal 2348 

Tower of Babel 224t 

Noah dies — aged 950 years 1998 

Abraham born 1996 

THIRD AGE. 

Call of Abraham 1921 

Destruction of Sodom 1897 

Birth of Isaac 1896 

Birth of Jacob 1836 

Joseph sold by his brethren 1729 

Jacob goes into Egypt 1706 

Birth of Moses 1571 

FOURTH AGE. 

Law of Moses given.. 1491 

Passage of the Jordan 1451 

Gedeon Judge 1245 

Samson dies 1117 

Samuel Judge 1116 

Saul is anointed King 1095 

David reigns 1054 

Solomon succeeds David 1015 

FIFTH AGE. 

Temple of Solomon dedicated 1005 

The Kingdom divided 980 

Roboam, King of Juda 980 

Jeroboam, King of Israel 980 

The Prophet Elias taken up to Heaven 892 

Isaias put to death by Manasse 715 

342 



APPENDIX. 343 

A. a 

The Prophet Jeremiah., 629 

Captivity of Babylon 608 

End of the Kingdom of Juda , 587 

Daniel the Prophet 555 

SIXTH AGE. 

End of the Babylonian captivity 533 

Dedication of the second Temple 516 

Commencement of the seventy weeks 454 

Eebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem 442 

Alexander enters Jerusalem 323 

Version of the Septuagint 261 

Persecution at Alexandria 220 

Heliodorus chastised for attempting to enter the Tem- 
ple 176 

Persecution of Antiochus ItO 

The martyrdom of the Machabees 168 

Mathathias takes up arms 168 

Judas Machabeus becomes leader of the Jevrs 166 

He is victorious over the enemies of his country 162 

Death of Antiochus 159 

Judas Machabeus is killed in battle 158 

Jonathan becomes the leader of the Jews 157 

John Hyrcanus assumes the title of King 135 

He is succeeded by Aristobulus 1 107 

Alexander Janneris reigns 106 

Alexander succeeds in 79 

Hyrcanus II 70 

The crown usurped by Aristobulus II 67 

Hyrcanus re-established 63 

Herod 40 

Nativity of our Lord and the Christian era begins. 



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Gentlemen : — I have carefully examined your new edition of the 
First Class Book of History, and I beg to express to you the satis- 
faction I have felt in its perusal. It is admirably adapted to the 
purposes of a text-book; the arrangement being such that it is 
calculated to fix in the youthful mind impressions rendered vivid 
by the easy, natural and interesting style of the narrative. 

As a practical evidence of my appreciation of the merits of this 
book, permit me to assure you of my determination to adopt it in 
my own school. Very respectfully, Henhy Onderdonic. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers^ Baltimore. 
7 



First Class Book of History. 

Notices op the Press. Continued. 

"We liave examined this work attentively, and take great plea- 
sure in commending it to general favor. The historic facts are 
set forth in the most concise manner, calculated at once to impress 
themselves upon the young mind, imparting solid information. 
Just enough, and not too much is placed before the juvenile 
student, to create a zest for further knowledge afier laying this 
history aside. It is upon the inductive system, and wholly free 
from sectarian or political bias. A more suitable work could not, 
in our judgment, be placed in the hands of pupils, or prove more 
acceptable to schools." Maryland Republican. 

" We hope to see this little Bock introduced into general use in 
the Public Schools of our country." Port Tobacco Times. 

" We have given it a full examination, and feel satisfied that its 
careful, concise, and attractive arrangement of historical facts 
must commend it to every practical teacher." Denton Journal. 

"Mr. Kerney has done his work well, and under the careful re- 
vision to which it has been subjected, this 'First Class Eook of 
History' really deserves the high reputation which it has ac- 
quired." Baltimore Gazette. 

" This little volume is a successful attempt of a Baltimore pub- 
lisher, to furnish a School History worthy of the Public Schools 
of Maryland. The style is ters^; its statements of facts are made 
with great clearness and impartiality. We cordially commend it 
to our School Commissioners, and hope they will not overlook it 
when they make their selection of text-books." 

Easton Star. 

" We have given the work some attention, and find it well writ- 
ten, simple and truthful. Its accounts of history from the begin- 
ning of time to the present are reliable. The book should and 
will find its way in our Public Schools " 

Centreville Observer. 

'* From a hasty examination, we adopt the opinion that it is ex- 
actly adapted to the wants of our Public Schools, as well as Acade- 
mies and Seminaries generally." 

Westminster Advocate, 



MuEPHY & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers, Baltimore. 
8 



Standard School Books. 

A. Catechism of Scripture SCistori/^ com- 
piled by the Sisters of Mercy for the use of the 
children attending their schools. Revised and 
corrected by M. J. Kerney, A. M. 20th Edition. 

18mo. half cloth 75 

"This excellent work is now used in nearly all Catholic institu- 
tions throughout England and Ireland, and has also acquired an 
extensive circulation throughout the neighboring republic. 

"The object of the Catechism, according to the preface, 'is to 
render children early acquainted with the truthful and interesting 
events recorded in the sacred Scriptures ; to familiarize them with 
the prophecies relating to the coming of the Messiah, and lead 
them to regard the Old Testament as a figure and a foreshadowing 
of the New.' 

" The present edition has been much improved, the questions 
to the answers being made more concise, so as to admit of their 
being easily committed to memory. An appendix has also been 
added, containing extracts from the Prophets, Scripture texts, and 
short sketches of the lives of the Apostles and Evangelists. The 
Chronological Table, which has been carefully revised and con- 
siderably enlarged, fixes the dates of the most remarkable events 
recorded in the Sacred "Writings. 

"We hope soon to see the work introduced into all Catholic 
Schools in the British Provinces, and were its merits fully known, 
we are pretty certain it would meet with a circulation similar to 
that which it has acquired in England and the United States." 

Halifax Catholic. 

"Of the merits of the book itself, it would be superfluous to 
speak, but we may observe that the labors of the American editor 
have added very considerably to its value." Metropolitan. 

"' It is an admirable book for schools, and calculated to give a far 
more vivid and lasting knowledge of sacred history than could be 
obtained from years of desultory and mechanical 'Bible-reading.'" 

Detroit Vindicator. 

Catechism of Ecclesiastical History. 

Abridged for the use of Schools. Translated from 
the French by a Friend of Youth. A New Enlarged 

Edition ...16o. flex, cloth, 30 

This little work has been carefully revised and enlarged, the 
text being brought down to the present time. These improve- 
ments il is hoped will render it still more popular with the in- 
structors of youth. 
Murphy & Co. Publishers ^' Booksellers, Baltimore, 



Standard School Books. 

Kerney's Arithmetics. 

The Columbian Arithmetic^ designed for the 
use of Academies and Schools. By M. J. Kerney, 
A. M. 25th Revised and Improved edition. 50 

The aim lias be.en, in the compilation and arrangement of this 
work, to make it a book of practical instruction; one in which the 
Bcience of figures is thoroughly explained and clearly elucidated. 
The examples for practice are generally such as the pupil will 
meet in the various business transactions of life. The arrange- 
ment is progressive, all questions being solved by rules previously 
explaino/i. This new edition has been carefully revised and en- 
larged. Several useful tables on the subject of Interest have been 
introduced, and numerous miscellaneous examples added. These 
improvements will render the work still more deserving of the 
extensive patronage it has heretofore enjoyed. 

Key to Kerjiey^s Columbian ArithTyietic^ 

containing the solution of the principal ques- 
tions 40 

Intro dtiction to the Columbian Arithine'- 
tic, designed for the use of Academies and Schools. 
By M. J. Kerney, A. M. 30th Revised Ed. 20 

This little work is designed as an introduction to the former, and 
is Intended for children about to commence the study of Arithme- 
tic. The first principles of the science are familiarly explained in 
the form of question and answer, and the pupils are conducted in 
the study as far as the end of compound numbers. It is replete 
with practical examples, adapted to the capacity of that class of 
learners for which it is designed, and it also contains all the Tables. 

Mr. Kerney's Arithmetics have already acquired a wide-spread 
popularity, as attested by the sale of large editions in a few years. 
They are books of practical instruction, arranged by a practical 
teacher of many years experience. The present editions have 
been carefully revised, and neither pains nor expense will be 
spared to render them at all times worthy the high reputation 
alreadj-- acquired. 

The Publishers have the pleasure of announcing that this Series 
of Arithmetics have undergone a careful and tJiorough revision, by 
a Brother of the Society of the Holy Cross, an experienced 
practical teacher and arithmetician. 

These Works have already acquired a Standard Reputation, as 
ranking amongst the most practical, systematic and best books of 
this class published. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Boolcsellers, Baltimore, 
U 



Standard School Books. 

Kerney^s Murray^ s Gram^nar.—An Abridg- 
ment of Murray^ s Grammar and Exercises^ designed 
for the use of Academies and Schools ; with an 
Appendix, containing Rules for Writing with 
Perspicuity and Accuracy ; also a Treatise on 
Epistolary Composition. By M. J. Kerney, A. M. 
37th edition, 18o. hf. bd. 25 

This Grammar is used in the Pubhc Schools of Baltimore ; in the 
Schools of the Christian Brothers ; and in many of the principal 
Schools and Academies throughout the countr3^ 

In point of arrangement, this work is superior to any other 
Abridgment of Murray's Grammar that has yet appeared before 
the public. It combines the Grammar and Exercise, by adapting 
Exercises to every chapter and section throughout the work, so 
that the pupil may have, at every stage of his progress, a practical 
illustration of the portion under his immediate study. The present 
edition has been carefully revised by the author, and many valu- 
able improvements made in the work. A Treatise on Epistolary 
Composition has been added, containing directions for writing 
Letters, Notes, Cards, &c., with a variety of examples of the same. 

Extracts from Notices of the Press. 

" This abbreviation of the large and unwieldy volume of the 
Patriarch of Grammarians has been effected without the omission 
of any important matter, and is presented to the public in a neat 
and convenient form. It must find favor in schools." — Bait. Pat. 

"We most cheerfully recommend this Grammar to Schools." 

St. Louis News-Letter. 

"This is an excellent abridgment ot Murray, long a favorite in 
Bchools." Fred. Examiner, 

Murray's Grammar. 
Miirray^s English Grammar^ adapted to 
the different classes of learners ; with an Appen- 
dix, containing rules and observations for assist- 
ing the more advanced students to write with 
perspicuity and accuracy. By Lindley Murray. 
12o. half bound, 40 
In presenting a new edition of Murray's Grammar, which is 
universally considered the best extant, we deem it sufficient to 
Btate, that the present edition is printed from an entirely new set 
of plates, and that it has been carefully revised, and free from • 
many of the inaccuracies and blemishes which are to be found in 
other editions, printed from old stereotype plates. This, together 
with the very low price affixed to it, are the only claims urged in 
favor of this edition. 

Mtirray^s English Meader 18o. 35 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers, Baltimore. 
14 



Standard School Books. 

Sestini's Mathematical Works. 

Elementary Algebra, By B. Sestini, S. J., 
author of Analytical Greometry, &c., &c. Pro- 
fessor of Natural Pliilosopliy and Astronomy in 
Georgetown College. 12o. half arabesque, 75 

The main object of this treatise is to render the science of Alge- 
bra intelligible to pupils whose minds are yet unaccustomed to 
such studies. The beginner will here be furnished with such 
proofs as are suited to his capacity: examples will atford new 
light to what might be otherwise obscured with regard to the oper- 
ations founded on higher principles ; lie will, for tlie present, con- 
tent himself with merely practical rules, exemplified in the same 
manner. With a mind thus gradually led on to strict mathemat- 
ical discussion, he may then resume his course with profit, by the 
aid of a treatise now in preparation, which is intended as a sequel 
to this, and, by more exact and thorough investigation, complete 
his study of Algebra. 

Brief Extracts from Notices of the Press. 

"This work recommends itself to favor by the admirable order 
of its parts, and the conciseness and clearness with Avhich its prin- 
ciples are expounded. One needs but open the book to perceive 
that the author has brought to the execution of his task a ripened, 
judgment and weil-tried experience. lie is not a compiler — his 
work has the rare merit of originalitj', and every student of 
Algebra will thank him for having given in a few pages what has 
iisually'occupied a large volume, and for having rendered intelli- 
gible what has often proved an enigma to many." — Metropolitan, 

"This book might very properly be called 'Algebra without a 
master.' One very important improvement that the author has 
made upon all our text-books, and which deserves to be mentioned, 
is this, that he keeps monomials and polynomials distinct, and 
explains and applies to them separately the various rules as laid 
down in his Algebra. The work only wants to be known, in 
order to be universally approved."' Western Tablet. 

" "We feel much pleasure in recommending it as containing 
nearly jdl necessary to be known on the subject of which it treats. 
It is eminently adapted for the use of young persons who wish to 
acquire a knowledge of the difBcult science of Algebra." 

Halifax Catholic. 

" As a rudimental book it will be found eminently useful in 
schools and colleges." Detroit Vindicator, 

" The author is well known as a man of great ability, and his 
work cannot fail to be of good service in schools." — Buffalo Sent. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^' Booksellers, Balnmore, 
15 



Sestini's Mathematical Works. 

A Treatise on Algebra, by B. Sestini, S. J., 
author of "Elementary Algebra,'' "Analytical 
Geometery,"&c 12o, 1 00 

" We have had occasion before to speak of the works of Professor 
Sestini, and the commendation we then bestowed npon them we 
have no hesitation in re^jeating now on this new work, which has 
issued from his indefatigable pen. Tlie best praise, however, in 
these matters, is experience, and that this is in his favor is evident 
from the necessity of publishing a second edition of his Elementary 
Algebra. This slaows that he has the proper manner of communi- 
cating knowledge on that abstrus-e study, and should be an *a 
priori' recommendation to thi=^ larger treatise on the same subject. 
It is as clear and concise as the nature of such works permits, and 
seems to embrace everything necessary to a full knowledge of 
Algebra. But le-t the author himself speak. ' The treatise is 
divided into two parts, the first of which contains Algebraical 
operations, with several questions and doctrines connected with 
them, so that each section may prove complete in its own suliject, 
and the inconvenience of turning elsewhere to speak of matter left 

unfinished before, may be avoided The second contains 

the most indispensable theories of equations, proportions, and pro- 
gressions, logarithms, and some few principles on the series. The 
doctrine of equations has been treated more copiously than the 
others, not so much on account of its importance as because it is 
well adapted to give an idea of algebraic analysis, and thus pre- 
pare the mind of the student, who would afterwards apply himself 
to higher studies.'" Metropolitan. 

JEleinents of Geo^netry and THgoiionie- 
try, by B. Sestini, S. J., author of "Analytical 
Geometry," "Elementary Algebra," &c. 80, 1 50 
"We have examined this new work of Professor Sestini with 
care, and are much gratified to be able to say that we consider it 
a most valuable addition to the elementary literature of mathemat- 
ics. The style of the author is clear, his method at once brief 
and rigorously exact, and his explanations and statements remark- 
ably perspicrfous. The adoption of Algebraic notation from the 
very beginning, is a great economy of space and time, presenting 
to the eye, immediately, that which in the common method requires 
a long and tedious periphrasis. Besides, it is an excellent method 
of training the student for the higher branches of mathematical 
discussion in which this form of demonstration is essential. We 
cannot too highly recommend the work, and must say that though 
there may be no royal road to Geometry, this comes nearer to that 
easy route than any book we have seen." Baltimore Patriot. 

"The author has succeeded in combining two qualities rarely 
united, great perspicuity and extreme conciseness. It has evi- 
dently been the result of great thought and long experience in 
teaching. The student passes gradually from the simpler to the 
more complex truths of the science. The work cannot be too 
•warmly commended as an admirable introduction to the science it 
professes to teach, and we would advise teachers and parents not 
to select a text-book until they have given this volume a careful 
and candid examination." Metropolitan. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers, Baltimore, 
16 



Standard School Books. 

WettenhalVs Ch^eek Grammar. — Rudiments 
of the Greek Language, arranged for the Students 
of Loyola College, Baltimore, — upon the basis of 
Wettenhall. 6th. ed. 12o. half arabesque, 75 

Extract from the Frefact. — "It is not intended by this publica- 
tion to present a new Greek Grammar to the classical student; 
after the elaborate volumes of JMatthiae, Buttman, Kuhuer, Gail, 
Burnouf, and other scholars of Germany and France; it would be 
altogether vain to expect any new discovery in that language. 
The most that we can do is to avail ourselves of their labors in 
order to smooth the difficuliios, which are usually met in its 
study. The greatest of these, we have learned from a long experi- 
ence in teaching, is the large 'size of the granmiars, which are put 
in the students hands when he commences. Excellent as these 
may be for the professor or more advanced scholar, they only tend 
to deter the beginner from approaching it. We trust that this 
will be obviated by the present compendium, in which we have 
endeavored to comprise within as short a compass as possible, all 
that is of absolute necessity to the learner. If it induces him to 
apply with more alacrity to study a language second to none in 
the literary beauties and treasures which it contains, our inten- 
tions will have been amply fulfilled." 

" We commend it most heartily to those who wish to study that 
most perfect of all human languages, as the shortest and readiest 
way to smooth all their difficulties." Metropolitan. 

Muddinian^s Latin Gra'tninar. — Ruddi- 
man's Rudiments of the Latin Tongue; or, a Plain 
and Easy Introduction to Latin Grammar: wherein 
the principles of the language are methodically 
digested, both in the English and Latin. With 
useful Notes and Observations. 30th edition — 
corrected and improved. By William Mann, M. A. 

12o, half arabesque 75 

J^" The cheapest and best Latin Grammar pubUs?ied, 

Ars HJieforica — Auctore, R. P., Martino du 
Cygne, Societatis Jesu. Editio Secunda Ameri- 
cana. In usum Collegii Georgeopolitani, S. J. 
18o. half arab 75 

To this New Edition, an Appendix has been added, containing 
Examples taken from the English Classics. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers, Baltimore, 
17 



The North American Spelling Book. 

Designed for Elementary Introduction in Schools. 
A New Enlarged Edition, being an improvement 

upon all others. 18 cents per dozen, 1 6^ 

The aim in this compilation has been to present a gradation of 
lessons necessary to impart a knowledge of the spelling, division, 
pronunciation, and accentuation of the various sounds and sylla- 
bles that compose the English language. In pronouncing and 
accenting words, good usage and the best lexicographers have 
been followed. The rules laid down are few, but simple and con- 
cise; and the progress from what is easy to what is difficult, is 
gentle and gradual. It is universally conceded to be one of the 
BEST, as it is unquestionably the cheapest Spelling Book published, 

German School Books. 

4^ The following Books, prepared by the Superiors of the 
Society of the Holy Redeemer, in Baltimore, are extensively used 
in German Schools throughout the United States. 

Jl B C nnd JBuchstahir und Lesebtich^ 15 

JLatholischer KatechisTnus 1 8o. 30 

JBiblische Geschichte des Alien und 

Neuen Testaments 40 

Kleiner Katechismiis, 3 cts. ; per 100, 2 00 

JI^The following German Speller and Reader have been care- 
fully prepared by th e School Sisters of Notre Dame, expressly for 
the German Schools under their charge. They may justly be con- 
sidered the best Books of their class for the use of German 
Primary Schools. 

Fihel fitr die liehen Kleinen^ gebraucht in 
den Schulen der deutschen Schulschwestern 
unserer Lieben Frau 10 

Lesehilehlein fUr die liehen Kleinen^ ge- 
braucht in den Schulen der deutschen Schul- 
schwestern unserer Lieben Frau 15 

Gillespie's Progressive System, 

Jn 6 Numbers, with Steel Plate Copies at the Head of each Page, 
Price, per Number, 18 cents per Dozen, 1.50. 

This system is designed to lead the pupil from the first princi- 
ples in Penmanship to a free, open, practical style of writing, 
adapted to general business purposes. 

Having purchased the Plates and Copyright of this Series of ■ 
Copy Books, we respectfully solicit for them a careful examina- 
tion, which is all that is necessary to prove the superiority, utility, 
and economy of this system. 

Murphy & Co. Publishers ^ Booksellers, Baltimore^ 
18 



-^.JL-WA^. 't^-fP'h-X^i^^ 



